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Household waste recycling centres remain open to Sheffield residents, but in light of police powers to fine those on non-essential visits, what classes as an essential trip to the tip?

According to Sheffield City Council, an essential visit may be needed where residents are unable to store the waste safely at home for a sustained period.

This could include:

Waste that is causing an accessibility, fire or safety issue

A sign warns drivers not to queue outside the Beighton Road waste recycling centre in Sheffield | User (UGC)

Waste which may attract vermin

Those with a ‘significant’ amount of DIY or garden waste should consider contacting a registered skip hire company.

Green bin garden waste collections are operating as normal and new sign ups are available

A spokesperson for the council said: “Sites will only remain open if residents behave responsibly.

“We are unable to accommodate as many visits as usual because we have to limit the number of people at each site, to ensure safe social distancing.

“It is not acceptable for customers to queue in vehicles outside the sites. This may cause potential danger for other road users trying to pass.”

New Public Health regulations mean that the Police have additional powers to ensure people stay at home and avoid non-essential travel.

The additional powers means that the Police can instruct people to go home, issue a fixed penalty notice of £60, which will be lowered to £30 if paid within 14 days and issue a fixed penalty notice of £120 for second time offenders, doubling on each further repeat offence.

The only 'essential trips' you can make to Sheffield's waste recycling centres without risking a fine