GALLERY: Busy tips reopen as coronavirus lockdown measures eased

Cars full with weeks worth of waste queued to unload at tips as the first sites reopened across the region.

People have been using the tip in Oldbury today

Tips in Dudley and Sandwell were back in action today, as other authorities across the Black Country and Staffordshire prepare to open their sites.

Queues formed at Sandwell Council’s Household Recycling Centre in Shidas Lane, in Oldbury.

Deputy council leader Councillor Maria Crompton said: “The tip was very busy today, as we expected it would be, and I would like to thank all staff who have helped to manage queues effectively.

Big queues at Sandwell's tip, in Shidas Lane, Oldbury, which opened today

“I would like to remind everyone that only cars are allowed – no trailers or vans – and people must only visit if it’s absolutely necessary. Please don’t rush to make a trip to the tip.

“Access to the tip is from Rounds Green Road and Brades Road – the road is closed at Portway Road.

“Working with our environmental services partner Serco, we will continue to monitor the number of visitors and look at further measures to manage the volume of vehicles if necessary.”

People have been using the tip at Oldbury as it reopened today

But the rush was kept to a minimum at Dudley Council’s Stourbridge site in Birmingham Street, where only residents with pre-booked appointments were allowed through.

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for environment, highways and street services in Dudley, said: “We are pleased to confirm there has not been any traffic delays due to the centre reopening.

"Our bookings only system will remain in place for the foreseeable future.”

It was a thumbs up from staff at the Dudley Council tip which reopened today in Stourbridge

Queues also formed in Wyre Forest yesterday, as Worcestershire County Council reopened Stourport’s Household Recycling Centre. The Kidderminster site will not reopen yet.

Staffordshire County Council’s tips will reopen on Thursday.

The council has sites in Bilbrook, Burntwood, Cannock, Lichfield, Rugeley, Stafford, Stone and Wombourne.

Queues were low in Stourbridge after Dudley Council used an online booking system

The centres will be open for essential use only, and rules will be put in place for visitors.

Walsall Council’s two tips in Bloxwich and Aldridge will reopen on Saturday. People using the Walsall tips will need to show ID.

The Aldridge site, on Merchants Way, will reopen daily from Monday to Sunday between 8am and 5.30pm.

People booked their places online to allow them access to Stourbridge tip

While, the Bloxwich site, based on Fryers Road, will only reopen on Saturdays and Sundays between 8am and 5.30pm.

Wolverhampton Council’s tips will reopen in a phased approach within the next couple of weeks but no firm date has yet been stated.

Birmingham City Council reopened four of its five tips last week.