RECYCLING centres and rubbish tips have just opened after being chained shut during the coronavirus lockdown.

Local councils have managed to re-open many of them with social distancing measures in place. Here's everything you need to know.

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Are all recycling centres and rubbish tips open?

No, but they will be.

The majority of councils closed refuse facilities due to staff absences and to comply with social distancing guidelines as part of lockdown in March, but were ordered to reopen this week.

Councils acted without any formal instruction from the Government, which deem dumps an essential service.

Announcing the dumps order to the Commons on Monday, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “Our binmen and women have done a fantastic job maintaining the vast majority of collections.”

But he added: “I am asking councils to plan the organised reopening of household waste collection sites. I expect this to happen over the coming weeks.”

Parts of the country were left with household waste collection services only, triggering a 300 per cent rise in fly-tipping.

The first reopenings of dumps in Bolton and Manchester caused massive tailbacks of over 100 cars.

A spokesperson for the County Councils Network – representative of England’s 37 county councils – said: “Councils would like to have kept recycling centres open during this period.

“However, government guidance was clear that a journey to a household waste recycling centre was not considered essential travel."

However, 98 per cent of bin collections have been continuing to collect recyclable waste during this time.

When will they reopen?

Robert Jenrick, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has asked councils to plan the reopening of tips and recycling centres.

He's asked them to be reopened within the coming weeks, amid worries there has been a rise in fly-tipping since they closed.

He said: "Our bin men and women have done a fantastic job maintaining the vast majority of collections.

“I’m asking councils to plan the organised re-opening of household waste collection sites. I expect this to happen over the coming weeks and will be publishing amended guidance shortly.”

Officials are issuing advice to councils to ensure they can safely operate amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Which sites will reopen?

Sites in Greater Manchester and Bolton opened again on May 2, but with social distancing measures in place – including a one-in-one-out policy.

However, Derbyshire County Council said it was "unable to say" when services would resume.

And North Yorkshire County Council said sites will remain closed "for public safety and to cut non-essential travel".

What measures will be in place when sites reopen?

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority says an odd and even number plate system is in place to reduce the number of vehicles on site, reports the BBC.

Hampshire County Council suggested daily cleaning and a reduction in the number of vehicles on-site.

Lancashire County Council and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council have plans to implement an online booking system, where households can choose a slot to drop off their rubbish.

Similarly, Wirral Council suggested a one-way system and a reduction of vehicles to just three at a time.

Northumberland County Council will also be reducing the number of vehicles and advise people to remain in their cars when queuing.

Surrey County Council said fewer types of waste will be accepted.

All workers will also require PPE.

Find out whether your local recycling centre is open by heading to your council's website.

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