Date announced for reopening of Hartlepool's Household Waste Recycling Centre - with garden waste bin collections set to follow

The Household Waste Recycling centre Burn Road, Hartlepool.

It comes as Hartlepool Borough Council chiefs have announced the phased return of a number of services temporarily suspended as it dealt with phase one of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This includes reopening the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) in Burn Road on Wednesday, May 13, using a pre-booked permit system approach.

Details will be announced separately on how the booking and permit system will operate, but council chiefs are urging residents to only travel to the HWRC as a last resort to dispose of household waste.

Council bosses also said they are hoping to reintroduce household garden waste collections before the end of May on a reduced frequency, with more details to be announced soon.

Additionally street cleaning, grass cutting, litter picking and weed control, will also all be returning at reduced levels from Monday (May 4).

Councillor Shane Moore, leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said he is pleased to see the council is now in a position to start to resume such services, which will continue to be monitored.

He said: “Due to the unprecedented nature of the coronavirus crisis, we reluctantly had to suspend a number of services to reduce the risk of the virus spreading and to help keep services running that are essential to life and tackling the impact of Covid-19.

“Unfortunately, we had no choice but to follow national guidance and prioritise what we do and we are very grateful to residents and businesses for their understanding and support throughout this challenging time.

“However, services have been under constant review and – as we prepare to enter phase two of the coronavirus crisis – and taking into account factors such as staff levels, new methods of working and changes in government guidance, we are now in a position to reinstate some services.”

The council had previously announced at the end of March the HWRC in Burn Road would be closed until further notice.

They also made the decision not to resume garden waste collections following the winter break as originally planned on Tuesday, April 7, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Coun Moore added the council will continue to review how things are working and urged residents to continue following government guidelines, after praising them for their efforts so far.

He said: “I am really pleased we are now in a position to announce the phased return of these important services.

“However, we will need to continue to monitor and review how things are working and adapt as necessary.

“I’m very grateful to residents across the town for playing their part in the fight against coronavirus and I know many of you have been helping keep Hartlepool’s streets and green spaces clean by taking any litter home with you when you are out exercising and we still need your support with this.

“Most importantly, please continue to stay at home and follow government advice.”

Information about council services and changes during the current pandemic can be found at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/coronavirus.

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