Changes to be made at Middlefields Recycling Village - what you need to know as the rules are updated

But South Tyneside Council has said some items will still not be allowed to be disposed of at the Tyne Dock site, with a ban on large vans or trailers to remain.

Garden waste, wood, cardboard and general waste can already be recycled, but as of tomorrow, Tuesday, August 4, it will also accept plasterboard and rubble – up to a limit of six sacks or equivalent.

Currently, only one car or a car-derived van with a permit is allowed in the ‘tipping zones’ but from tomorrow four vehicles will be allowed in each of the two zones.

These changes will increase the maximum number of cars on-site from four to eight at any time, increasing vehicle rates from 60 cars per hour.

The odd and even vehicle registration system will remain, with visits permitted on certain days determined by number plates – a list is available on the council’s website.

Councillor Joan Atkinson, lead member for area management and community safety, said: “Feedback on our set-up and social distancing at the Recycling Village has been very positive and I’d like to thank residents for their support and understanding.

“We continue to work hard to ensure social distancing guidelines are met for the safety of both staff and site visitors and that the site continues to run as safely and efficiently as possible.

"In line with the 1m-plus guidance from national government, we now feel the time is right to open up our Recycling Village to more vehicles.

"However, while more than one user can be in each zone, there will only be one person allowed in each pier or gantry at any time.”

“We are still a little way from operating the site as we did before the pandemic.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and hope residents will continue to work with us to make these measures a success.”

The village is open from 8am and 8pm and traffic management measures will remain in place, with visitors reminded not to queue onto Boldon Lane.

For further information visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/wasteandrecycling.

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