Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council has announced that they have now reopened the tip at Shidas Lane, in Oldbury.
 
After working closely together on the re-opening of the Household Recycling Centre, the Council and its environmental services partner Serco, is happy to announce that site will now return to its normal opening hours.

The tip is now open every day from Monday from 8am until 4pm included Saturdays and Sundays. 

The tip continues to be very busy so residents are advised to plan ahead before visiting the site.
 
Vans and trailers are not permitted to enter the site at the moment and only one person will be permitted in each car, unless bringing a bulky item that requires two people to unload it or if the person is registered as having a disability and carries an unauthorised Blue Badge. 

Those planning on using the site will need to bring proof that they live in Sandwell such as a driving licence, recent utility bill or current council tax summary, which they will be asked to show against closed car windows.

Given the coronavirus pandemic is not over, social distancing will be maintained on site at all times, which means the site may operate in a different way to normal. Therefore, the staff on site will not be able to assist the public with their waste disposal/unloading, to ensure social distancing rules are upheld.

Residents are also being asked to separate their waste and recycling prior to visiting. There are bays specifically for recycling items like garden waste, clothing and textiles, wood, carpet, cardboard and many other items. The council is urging the public not to place everything in the general waste bin. 

Councillor Maria Crompton, Deputy Leader of Sandwell Council, said: “I would like to thank all our residents for being patient while we worked out the best time to reopen the tip fully. We now feel we are in the right position to reopen the tip from 8am to 4pm which will allow residents the opportunity to visit over an extended period of time.  

“I would like to remind residents that we still expect queues to be long, so only visit if absolutely necessary. Please remember that we are still observing social distancing practices on site in line with government guidelines for Covid-19, so please be patient when visiting the site.”

“Drivers should be considerate in not blocking access for businesses on the surrounding roads and should remain in their vehicles while queuing.”

Dave Lynas, Senior Contract Manager, said: “We thank everyone for their patience when visiting the centre and our teams are doing all that they can to ensure the site runs smoothly whilst social distancing measures are in place.

"Unfortunately, we are finding residents from neighbouring authorities are attempting to use the tip. This facility should only be utilised by Sandwell residents so, if you are not from the borough, please do not try and visit. Proof of address will be required before entry and we will have no choice but to turn away anyone found not to be from the area.”