Councils in north east Wales start planning for recycling centres to reopen

Councils in north east Wales have started planning to reopen recycling centres.

It follows the Welsh Government announcing minor adjustments to the coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

While the main “stay at home” message is still in force, First Minister Mark Drakeford gave local authorities the green light to start preparing to allow people to dispose of household waste again.

Concerns were previously raised over an increase in fly tipping in Wales after centres across the country were shut.

Flintshire Council has now revealed it is looking to open the doors to its five facilities by the end of the month.

Wrexham Council has yet to set a final date, but said it was aiming to reopen the three tips it operates “as soon as possible”.

Both authorities have reiterated that safety measures will need to be put in place first.

A Flintshire Council spokesperson said: “All councils in Wales are working together, developing plans for the safe reopening of local household recycling centres.

“The safety of the public and our workforce is our top priority and safety measures must be in place.

“Here in Flintshire, we want to be in a position to reopen our five recycling facilities by the end of May, so long as clear guidance has been received from Welsh Government.

“We welcome Friday’s announcement and know it is something many of our residents will welcome too.”

In order to reduce demand on the centres when they reopen, the council has resumed garden waste collections for a two week period between today and Saturday, May 23.

The authority said residents who have subscribed to the 2019 and/or 2020 service would be eligible.

More information on its plans to reopen local facilities will be announced over the next few days.

Meanwhile, deputy leader of Wrexham Council David A Bithell said: “We welcome the announcement of the First Minister of Welsh Government to allow local authorities to start planning to re-open household recycling sites.

“Wrexham Council will be reviewing the new guidance and will be looking to re-open them as soon as possible, but firstly, we need to ensure that we are compliant with the revisions of the regulations, and, that all health and safety measures including social distancing and traffic management are in place.”

By Liam Randall – Local Democracy Reporter