Long queues appear as first recycling centres and tips re-open in Wales

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A tip in Merthyr Tydfil has seen cars queuing to get in after opening for the first time since lockdown began.

The council was one of the first in Wales to open householdrecycling centres on Wednesday.

First Minister Mark Drakeford announced nearly two weeks ago thatlibraries and household waste recycling centres were allowed tore-open, although it will be up to Wales' 22 local authorities todecide on an individual basis if and how this is done.

All councils have agreed a common set of criteria which will need tobe met before they can consider the safe re-opening of recyclingsites. Councils will need to be satisfied that:

  • There is an appropriate level of staff available to operate the facilities.

  • The sites can comply with stringent health and safety requirements

  • including sanitisation, social distancing and the implications for

  • traffic management.

  • Trade unions are being consulted to agree the basis for any re-opening

  • and operation of the centres.

Merthyr Council was one of the first in Wales to open household recycling centres. Credit:

Merthyr Tydfil council re-opened its tips with a list of rules andregulations for people using them.

They included residents only using their centre on the day of theirrecycling collection, organising the rubbish before leaving home andnot getting out of their car until instructed.

Both the Dowlais and Aberfan centres will now be open Monday to Fridayfrom 9 am to 4.30 pm.

Key workers can access the sites on any day by providing proof oftheir work using either their valid NHS card or work ID.

Councillor David Hughes, cabinet member for neighbourhood services,planning and countryside, said: "We know a lot of our residents havebeen eager for the household waste and recycling centres to re-open,so we are delighted that Welsh Government guidelines now allow us todo this.

Council leader Andrew Morgan said their centres will be introducingsocial distancing rules on-site and a strict limit on the number ofvehicles allowed at any one time. People will also not be permitted toleave their vehicle until they are on site.

Centres in Newport and Neath Port Talbot will re-open next week, andCardiff council says an online booking system is being developed whichwill allow residents to book an appointment slot.

Wales is still under tight lockdown restrictions and the official government advice is to stay home, except for very limited reasons that include exercise, travelling to and from work, and to buy food.