COVID-19 information
Government guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed, the following frequently asked questions and answers provide more information about visiting an HWRC:
- journeys should only be made to the HWRC by the person who has generated the waste. Please do not pass on your waste to others to dispose of
- children and pets must not leave the vehicle if they go to the HWRCs
- please do not attend if you have got COVID-19 coronavirus or have COVID-19 symptoms
Please act responsibly and treat site staff with respect. If you don't, you won't be allowed access and asked to leave.
There are still some measures in place at each HWRC to make sure the public and staff are safe. These include:
- Site staff can assist with carrying heavier items if they have been taken out of a car. Please bring someone with you if you need help with lifting heavier items out of your vehicle.
- Incoming traffic may be stopped when staff are cleaning up or disinfecting operational areas. Please be patient when staff are doing this. At certain times throughout the day HWRCs may have to close for exchanging of full containers.
- Please be patient.
The individual HWRCs will open on their usual days and times.
Please check Cumbria County Council's website for opening days and times for each site as these can differ.
HWRC opening may change at short notice and may not be open. Please check Cumbria County Council's website for up to date information.
Site staff can assist with carrying heavier items if they have been taken out of a car. Please bring someone with you if you need help with lifting heavier items out of your vehicle.
You can access the HWRCs in your car, campervan/motorhome, single axle trailer and minibus.
You can also access with a valid waste permit with a van, utility vehicle or a car towing twin axle trailer. Permits are no longer issued for vans and utility vehicles towing twin axle trailers.
The quickest way to request a permit is to apply for a permit online . You can also call on 0300 003 1118.
Yes Cumbria County Council's Permit Scheme is still in operation.
HWRCs accept household waste - please see the HWRC page to find your nearest site and then click on the 'Materials Accepted' list on the site page.
Children and pets can come with you to the HWRCs. They cannot leave the vehicle for health and safety reasons.
Currently face coverings/masks are not required but if you feel more comfortable wearing a face covering/mask please do. This will be reviewed if government guidance changes.
Please do not visit the HWRC if you have COVID-19 or have COVID-19 symptoms.
Government advice is that waste from a house with cases of Covid-19 should be placed in a bag, which is then sealed, placed inside another bag, which is also sealed (so double-bagged but not both tied at the same time) and then stored for 72 hours before being put out for collection. The timing of the deposit of the waste into the waste bin is all important in order to protect staff.
Please treat site staff with respect and act responsibly while you are on-site. Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. Visitors who are not acting respectfully or responsibly will be asked to leave and may not be permitted to return.
Please visit your local District Council website for the bin collections and waste services, including the latest updates as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak.
Although most kerbside waste and recycling collections are currently running as normal, some services may be affected. Please check with your local District Council for updates in your area. It is encouraged that householders make use of the waste and recycling containers provided, such as squashing boxes, plastic bottles and cans, and only visit HWRCs if necessary and as part of essential journeys.
Find my nearest recycling centre
Recycle for Cumbria
For more information visit the Recycle for Cumbria website
