Warrington’s community recycling centres (CRCs) are now closed until further notice due to the Coronavirus pandemic after members of the public ignored advice.
The decision to keep the three centres – at Woolston, Stockton Heath and Gatewarth – open was under continuous review and unfortunately, due to many residents using them for non-essential purposes over the last week, and particularly today, Friday, they are now closed to the public.
Council Leader, Cllr Russ Bowden said: “Following numerous requests, and direct conversations with residents, to only use CRCs for appropriate emergency waste issues, some residents of Warrington and neighbouring boroughs, continue to flout the government’s guidance regarding leaving home to make non-essential trips.
“A large number of people have been visiting the sites to dispose of rubbish, following spring cleans and garden tidy ups. Long queues of cars have formed at each site throughout Friday afternoon, with many cars loaded with waste other than general domestic items.
“It is with regret that the decision has had to be made to close all three centres with immediate effect. We have to follow current government guidelines regarding discouraging non-essential trips and social distancing, and the health and safety of our staff working at the centres is paramount.
“We would ask that residents do not visit any of the CRCs over the weekend and for the foreseeable future. The decision will be reviewed in conjunction with the provision of the domestic waste collection service.”
Due to the government measures in place, spending more time at home means we’re all making more waste. To ensure less need for separate bags of waste from your normal bins, make sure you collapse waste fully by squishing boxes, cartons and plastic bottles.
For the latest information on coronavirus in Warrington, including changes to services, please visit warrington.gov.uk/coronavirus.
