​Household Waste Recycling Centres

The Council’s two Household Waste Recycling Centres at Johnsons Lane in Widnes and Picow Farm Road in Runcorn are open from 08:00hrs to 20:00hrs, 7 days per week. There is a limit on the number of cars allowed on site at any one time.

A limited number of vans and large trailers will be allowed into the sites to deposit household waste from Monday 13th July 2020 – but strictly via a pre-arranged booking only. Further details are available on the Bins and Recycling pages of the Council’s main website.

There is no walk-in pedestrian access, so please do not park in the vicinity of the centres and attempt to carry your waste in – you will not be allowed to enter.

Only one person per car should visit the site. If you do need someone else to drive the car (for example Blue Badge holders) or need help with your waste, one person from your household can accompany you. However only one person will be allowed out of the car to dispose of the waste. Do not bring children to site unless you really have to. If you do bring children they will not be allowed to leave the car.

When on site, social distancing of at least two metres will be strictly enforced. Site operatives will not provide assistance members of the public, therefore only bring waste that you can dispose of by yourself – our staff will not help with bulky items.

If households have had COVID-19 symptoms then waste should be left for at least 72 hours before disposal and personal waste should be safely double bagged. Place it in your normal bin collection if you can.

Signs will provide advice and information to visitors about expected queuing times.

Please listen to the advice and instructions given by staff – they are intended for your safety. Anyone who is abusive towards our staff will not be permitted to enter the site.

We anticipate that queuing times will be significantly higher than usual.

To help you plan your visit we’ve put together a range of the most FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Will I have to book a slot to visit the sites? You will not need to book a slot to visit in a car or with a small trailer, However, if you intend to visit the site in a van or with a large trailer, then yes, you will need to book a visit beforehand. You can do this by telephoning us on 0303 333 4300
Will the sites be busy?

Yes, we expect that our sites will remain busy.

 

How many cars will be allowed on site?

 

 There will be restrictions on site and only 5 vehicles will be allowed at Johnson’s Lane site at any one time and only 3 will be allowed on site at Picow Farm Road at any one time. Please follow staff instructions.

What are the social distancing restrictions in place?

 

You will be directed to a designated space and you will be expected to follow the social distancing rules as instructed. Where possible a one way system will be marked and designated on each site.

 
What can I bring to site? The full range of household waste and recyclable materials can be brought to sites. Asbestos is not currently permitted.
What if I have waste relating to coronavirus infection?

If any households have had COVID-19 symptoms the residual waste should be double bagged and left for 72 hours before being putting in your residual bin or brought to site in accordance with Public Health England guidance.

 
Can I walk waste onto site?

No. Walk in access with waste will not be allowed.

 
Will anyone on site be able to help unload?

No, staff will not be able to help you unload your vehicle due to social distancing restrictions so don’t bring large or heavy items that you cannot safely manage on your own.

 

Is the Permit Scheme in operation at sites?

 

No. The Commercial Vehicle Permit Scheme is temporarily suspended.

 

Can I come to site in a van or bring a large trailer?

 

Yes, but you will need to pre-book a visit by calling us on 0303 333 4300. Vans or large trailers visiting sites without a confirmed booking will be turned away. No ‘same day’ bookings can be accepted.

 
I have a small trailer (less than 2 metres) can I bring that to the site?

Small Trailers (those less than 2 metres) that do not usually need a permit will be allowed on site without a pre-booking.

 

How many people can be in the vehicle?

 

One person per vehicle to visit our sites – If you need someone else to drive the vehicle (for example blue badge holders) or need help with your waste, one person from your household can accompany you. However only one person will be allowed out of the vehicle to dispose of the waste.

 

Can I bring my children with me?

 

Do not bring children to site unless you really have to. If you do bring children they will not be allowed to leave the car.