Teesside tip to reopen this weekend - but it's appointment only

SUEZ UK closed Haverton Hill Waste and Recycling Centre last month after "soaring demand" and people failing to adhere to social distancing advice.

Since then, both Middlesbrough and Stockton Council teams have had to deal with a rise in fly-tipping – and increased pressure on their existing refuse sites. 

Now Stockton Council has confirmed the centre off the A1046 will reopen this Sunday for residents in the borough.

But officials have stressed visits are by appointment only – and are open only to cars.

Other rules include only allowing one person per car, with the exception of blue badge holders, who can be accompanied by one family member. 

Officials have also stressed social distancing will be “strictly enforced” with staff unable to help with unloading. 

Appointments are available from 8am to 7pm, seven days a week – with the first half hour slot available at 8am this Sunday (May 3).

Each half hour slot will accommodate a maximum of 10 bookings which the authority says are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Photographic ID to show proof you live in Stockton borough will also be needed to gain entry to the site. 

A council spokesman added: “Please do not come to the site if you have not got an appointment as you will not be granted access. 

“And if you do have an appointment, please arrive on time as we can only allow you access at the time you have booked. 

“If you miss your appointment slot, you will have to book another one.”

• Updated: Here's which North-East rubbish tips are closed

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick confirmed on Tuesday he’d be asking councils to plan the reopening of waste and recycling centres (April 28). 

Last week, Suez UK said there wasn’t a need for “whole-scale reopening” – but hinted partial reopening was being considered with social distancing, allowances for “one or two critical materials” to be taken in or allocating different postcodes on given days. 

But Suez boss John Scanlon urged against “diversionary trips” throwing away electrical goods in spring cleans.

“Non-essential clear-outs and associated trips to the HWRC must remain just that for now – and be avoided,” he added.

Neighbouring Darlington Council reopened its Mewburn Road tip on Tuesday with a “one in, one out” procedure in place.

Stockton Council leader Cllr Bob Cook said demand for the centre to reopen had been high.

He added: “We’re pleased to have come up with a solution that enables that to happen – albeit with some sensible precautions in place.

“It’s no secret that fly-tipping has increased across the country since these sites closed and although there’s absolutely no excuse for that in any circumstances, we hope this will help to alleviate the problem.

“We’d also like to thank everybody for their patience, understanding and support during this incredibly challenging period.”

Stockton South MP Matt Vickers hit out at fly-tippers last week – and told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he’d raised borough’s problems with Mr Scanlon.

He added: “While there is no excuse for fly-tipping it is hoped that the opening of the recycling centre at Haverton Hill could significantly help ease this issue.

“A number of concerned residents have contacted me about the volume of waste being dumped by selfish individuals – and the negative impact this is having on our green spaces.

“I’m delighted that the centre looks set to re-open within the week.”

If you live in the borough, you can book an appointment at: https://stockton-borough-council.reservio.com/