WARRINGTON'S three community recycling centres reopen today, Saturday, after new year.

But residents are being advised only to visit if necessary and if waste cannot be stored at home.

And they are being told to expect delays at the sites in Gatewarth, Sankey Bridges, Woolston and Stockton Heath.

Only one person is allowed per car under rules which have changed following Warrington's move into tier 4.

A council spokesman said: "Please only visit our CRCs if you have an essential need to dispose of household waste. There will be strict restrictions and traffic management in place on site, so we’d ask you to only travel to the recycling centre if any of your household waste cannot be safely stored at home."

  • Access is by car only, strictly no pedestrians. Vans, vehicle trailers or commercial type vehicles will require a recycling permit.
  • Only one person is permitted per car, unless you are a blue badge holder – in which case you can have another person in your car with you
  • Due to social distancing restrictions, staff will not be able to help with unloading or lifting items.
  • All types of household waste/recyclables are being accepted
  • There will be operating a one-in, one-out system to ensure people can dispose of their waste safely, so expect lengthy queues

Residents are asked to provide evidence of your address.

The spokesman added: "If you are abusive, intimidating or clearly flout the national guidance you will be removed from the CRC

"There will be comprehensive traffic management in place on site.

"Lengthy queues are expected and residents may be asked to leave and return later Even with these measures in place, we anticipate that queuing times will be significantly higher than usual and could possibly be several hours. Please bear this in mind when considering if your visit is essential."