WASTE recycling centres under the Cumbria County Council can now be used without having to book in advance.

The Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) now no longer require people to book a place before visiting the centre.

The sites, which are operated by Renewi Cumbria Ltd and Cumbria Waste Management Ltd, have been operational during the pandemic with additional restrictions in place, in line with Government health and safety guidance around Covid-19. To help prevent the dangerous build-up of traffic around the sites in Carlisle and Grange-over-Sands, temporary booking systems were put in place for these sites, but these are now no longer required.

Residents are reminded that although all HWRC sites are open, Covid-19 measures are in place for the safety of site users and site staff. Staff at the HWRC sites, are unable to help unload vehicles. If you cannot safely manage items by yourself, we suggest you bring someone with you.

Councillor Celia Tibble, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet member for Environment said: "The temporary booking systems were put in place to ease dangerous levels of congestion around the sites in Carlisle and Grange-over-Sands whilst the number of vehicles entering the sites were restricted.

"I’m pleased to see that these are no longer required and would like to thank everyone for their patience and cooperation since they were introduced.

“Please do be aware that each HWRC may have some Covid-19 restrictions in place, however, staff at all sites, are on hand to give guidance and instructions for recycling and refuse purposes.”

HWRCs are located in:

· Ambleside HWRC

· Barrow HWRC

· Carlisle HWRC

· Brampton HWRC

· Clay Flatts HWRC

· Penrith HWRC

· Frizington HWRC

· Grange HWRC

· Kendal HWRC

· Kirkby Stephen HWRC

· Maryport HWRC

· Millom HWRC

· Ulverston HWRC

· Wigton HWRC