What you need to know as Sunderland's tip reopens after seven week lockdown

The Beach Street tip closed on Tuesday, March 24, after the Government issues guidance on all but essential travel, but will reopen with measures in place after Communities Minister Robert Jenrick asked councils to look at allowing people access to the service once again.

It will welcome visitors from 8am on Monday, May 11.

Strict social distancing measures will be in place and new ways of operating will apply, including a booking system to access the Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC) site that will minimise waiting times and prevent the build-up of lengthy queues.

Here’s what Sunderland City Council says you need to know if you want to visit the dump:

Sign up for an appointment

Visit www.sunderland.gov.uk/household-waste-centres to selected a half-hour time slot, but the council says appointments can be made via phone.

These will be available between 8am and 7.30 pm with bookings available on a first-come first-served basis.

It will close at 8pm and there will be no access to the site without a booking.

People are asked to wash their hands before and after visiting and avoid touching their face.

Cars only – for now

Only cars will be allowed, no vans, vehicle trailers or commercial vehicles of any type will be allowed on-site at first to minimise time and handle high demand.

The permit system for vans, pick-ups and vehicles towing trailers is suspended but will be reviewed on Friday, May 22.

Just two people allowed

Staff are unable to assist the people unload waste.

Only one person is to get out of the car on-site but the council will allow a maximum of two adults from the same household out of the car if help is needed to lift an item.

Take ID and bag your waste

Residents will need to show a proof of address in their windscreen and only bagged household, garden waste, cardboard and wood, including old furniture, will be accepted.

Check your routeDue to roadworks in the area as part of the construction of the Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor – which will link the Northern Spire Bridge with the Port of Sunderland, traffic management arrangements will also be in place.

People will need to travel along Farringdon Row and join the queue at Beach Street at their booking time. The postcode for satnavs is SR4 6BU.

Stay away if ill

The new guidance also sets out Anyone in self-isolation or with COVID-19 symptoms must not visit the HWRC under any circumstances and if any households have had symptoms waste should be double-bagged and left for 72-hours before being brought to site.

What about garden waste or bulky items?

The paid-for garden waste collections have started up again and can be requested via www.sunderland.gov.uk/gardenwasteAnyone who would like to arrange for the collection of up to six bulky items for £10 can visit www.sunderland.gov.uk/bulky-waste

Is Beach Street the only site?

Gateshead Council is re-opening its HWRC’s including the facility at Campground which is available for use by Sunderland residents.

It will operate a temporary odd and even number plate system which means you can only visit the HWRCs on certain days depending on your vehicle number plate.

For more click here.

What if I live in County Durham?

Residents in East Durham and Durham City will have to wait until Monday, May 18, before they can visit their tips, including the one in Strangford Road in Seaham, Sunderland Road in Horden and Potterhouse Lane in Pity Me.

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