Tip reopens – by appointment
AMonday morning trip to the skip was in order for these Sunderland residents as they looked to clear their rubbish following its seven-week lockdown closure.
The Beach Street tip closed on Tuesday, March 24, after the Government issues guidance on all but essential travel.
While other authorities have brought in a number plate system, giving odds and evens the chance to visit, Sunderland City Council is running an appointmentonly setup.
Anyone who wants to access the site must book a half-hour time slot in advance, helping to keep the queues and waiting times to a minimum.
Those with an appointment for the Household Waste and Recycling Centre have been asked to access the Deptford compound by travelling along Farringdon Row to join the queue at Beach Street, ready for their allocated time, as roadworks are ongoing in the area.
People have also been asked to following the strict social distancing measures, with new signs up asking them to stick to the rules.
These include keeping children inside cars, leaving windows up, disposing of your own waste with the help of one adult from the same household if needed, and keeping two metres from others.
They have also been warned verbal or physical abuse will not be tolerated and no vans are allowed at this time, with thanks sent to people for their patience.
A traffic management system is in place and people have been told the site will be cleaned regularly, with proof of residence to be put on show inside the car’s windscreen.
The council has said it is only allowing cars on the site at this time to handle the anticipated high demand from households.
The permit system for vans, pick-ups and vehicles towing trailers is suspended and is due to be reviewed on Friday, May 22.
Appointments to visit the site can be made via and 30 minute slots are available from 8am to 7.30pm on a first-come-first-served basis, with the service closing at 8pm.
Residents can book an appointment for the Sunderland site via www. sunderland.gov.uk/household-waste-centres
Sunderland residents can also use Gateshead Council’s Household Waste and Recycling Centre at Campground in Springwell Road in Wrekenton, which is using an odd and even number plate system on alternate days.
Here’s what Sunderland City Council says you need to know if you want to visit the dump: Sign up for an appointment
Visit www.sunderland.gov.uk/household-wastecentres to selected a halfhour time slot, but the council says appointments can be made via phone.
These will be available between 8am and 7.30 pm with bookings available on a first-come first-served basis. It will close at 8pm and there will be no access to the site without a booking.
People are asked to wash their hands before and after visiting and avoid touching their face. Cars only – for now
Only cars will be allowed, no vans, vehicle trailers or commercial vehicles of any type will be allowed on-site at first to minimise time and handle high demand.
The permit system for vans, pick-ups and vehicles towing trailers is suspended but will be reviewed on Friday, May 22. Just two people allowed
Staff are unable to assist the people unload waste.
Only one person is to get out of the car on-site but the council will allow a maximum of two adults from the same household out of the car if help is needed to lift an item. Take ID and bag your waste
Residents will need to show a proof of address in their windscreen and only bagged household, garden waste, cardboard and wood, including old furniture, will be accepted. Check your route
Due to roadworks in the area as part of the construction of the Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor – which will link the Northern Spire Bridge with the Port of Sunderland, traffic management arrangements will also be in place. People will need to travel along Farringdon Row and join the queue at Beach Street at their booking time. The postcode for satnavs is SR4 6BU. Stay away if ill
Anyone in self-isolation or with COVID-19 symptoms must not visit the HWRC under any circumstances and if any households have had symptoms waste should be double-bagged and left for 72-hours before being brought to site. What about garden waste or bulky items?
The paid-for garden waste collections have started up again and can be requested via www.sunderland.gov.uk/gardenwaste Anyone who would like to arrange for the collection of up to six bulky items for £10 can visit www.sunderland.gov. uk/bulky-waste Is Beach Street the only site?
Gateshead Council is re-opening its HWRC’s including the facility at Campground which is available for use by Sunderland residents.
It will operate a temporary odd and even number plate system which means you can only visit the HWRCs on certain days depending on your vehicle number plate. What if I live in County Durham?
Residents in East Durham and Durham City will have to wait until Monday, May 18, before they can visit their tips, including the one in Strangford Road in Seaham, Sunderland Road in Horden and Potterhouse Lane in Pity Me.