North Wales councils outline why they’re not ready to re-open tips yet

North Wales’ recycling centres are unlikely to reopen until some of the existing lockdown measures are lifted.

A rise in fly tipping in parts of the region has led to some calls for council-run tips to re-open, following the lead of some English authorities which are already in the process of at least partially opening theirs.

But, speaking during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Gwynedd Council’s portfolio holder for refuse and recycling said any reopening will depend on the Welsh Government changing its current guidelines.

Cllr Catrin Wager said: “There has been quite a lot of talk in regards to the recycling centres but as it stands there are big question marks on if travelling to and from such centres constitutes a necessary journey within the current guidelines.

“I know that this discussion is ongoing on a national level between many authorities and the Welsh Government, and we will play a part in that while offering the best possible service, balanced with ensuring that our staff and residents are safe and meet the self isolation guidelines.”

But figures, including Wrexham’s MP, have called on local authorities to open recycling centres and allow residents to get rid of household rubbish safely “as a matter of priority”.

In a letter to Wrexham council’s chief executive Ian Bancroft, Sarah Atherton MP wrote: “As I am sure you know, there has been an increase in fly tipping and an increase in household garden bonfires despite the advice from the fire service and council in the local press advising against bonfires.

“Temporarily closing the tip inconveniences residents and potentially creates dangerous problems elsewhere, such as garden fires.

“Providing social distance measures are adhered to and staff and residents remain safe, I believe reopening the tip should be looked into as a matter of priority.”

But according to authorities across the region, it is unlikely that they will reopen until the Welsh Government amends its existing advice.

A spokesman for Denbighshire council said they had “no plans” to open the recycling centres, but are “constantly monitoring the position and await guidance from Welsh Government”.

Flintshire Council said it is in regular discussion with Welsh Government and other authorities “to agree a mechanism for a coordinated reopening of the sites, once the restrictions on travel have been lifted”.

Cllr David A Bithell, Wrexham’s lead member for environment and transport, said: “Wrexham, along with every other local authority in Wales, has closed household recycling centres in line with government advice.

“A visit to one is not classed as an essential journey. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the vast majority of householders who are supportive of all that we and our partners are doing in order to keep the public and our staff safe.

“We will of course reopen them when it is safe to do so and government advice changes.

“For now the message remains to stay at home except for essential journeys, stay safe and save lives.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “The collection and processing of household waste and recycling is a key service and we are working with the Welsh Local Government Association and local authorities to ensure it is prioritised and maintained.

“The guidance issued to local authorities recognises Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) as important elements of this infrastructure.

“We are working with local authorities on the plans for recovery and this includes planning for the reopening of HWRCs.”

By Gareth Williams, Jez Hemming and Liam Randall – Local Democracy Reporters