Trafford recycling centre re-opens

S ale residents can visit the recycling centre in Altrincham to dispose of household waste from Saturday, May 2, but only if the trip is essential.

They must prove they live in Trafford by showing identity such as a council tax, gas or electricity bill. Only bagged general waste can be disposed.

The centre on Chester Road, Stretford, will remain closed because of the coronavirus pandemic, although the Altrincham site is one of several re-opening across Greater Manchester and available for use by Trafford residents.

Social distancing measures will be in place to protect visitors and a traffic control system will be introduced based on odd and even number plates. The Altrincham centre on Woodhouse Lane will be open seven days a week (8 am – 6 pm).

It will work on a four-week rota to limit the amount of traffic visiting the centres and limit the potential for staff and the public to be exposed to the virus.

Number plates ending with odd numbers will be allowed on certain days while number plates ending with even numbers  will be allowed on other dates.

The dates are:

Week 1

Even – May 2, 4, 6,8, Odd – May 3,5, 7

Week 2

Even – May 9, 11, 15 Odd – May 10, 12,13, 14

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “I want to thank the people of Greater Manchester for their patience while these facilities have been closed. At every stage of this process we’ve taken decisions based on the official guidance, which has been about limiting non-essential journeys and reinforcing the Stay At Home message.

“Now that the Government guidance has been updated, we have taken a collective decision to reopen some of our centres. There will be localised traffic management in place to control queuing, with each council taking steps to ensure that centres can reopen and operate safely.

“While we are reopening centres, this is not a return to normal. We would ask the public to limit their journeys and only travel to a household waste and recycling centre if it is absolutely essential to do so. If the situation becomes unmanageable we may have to reassess this decision, but that is not something we want to do and, I hope, will not become necessary. Let’s everyone stay safe and look after each other at this difficult time.”

These arrangements are subject to change. Residents should visit www.recycleforgreatermanchester.com for the latest information.