Walsall Council has announced the official opening date for its highly anticipated new Household Waste Recycling Centre and Waste Transfer Station in Aldridge. The multi-million pound facility, which has been labelled a 'super tip', will welcome residents from Monday, February 2.
A New Era for Waste Management in the Black Country
Located on Middlemore Lane, the £32 million development was physically completed last year but required final approval from the Environment Agency. Council leader, Councillor Mike Bird, has boldly described the site as the 'biggest in Europe', marking a significant step forward for the borough's waste and recycling infrastructure.
The modern centre is designed to handle a vast array of materials, featuring 38 different skips across 19 separate bays. This extensive capacity is intended to meet the growing waste demands of the local area and significantly boost recycling rates.
More Than Just a Tip: The On-Site Reuse Shop
A key feature of the new facility is its dedicated reuse shop, which aims to give discarded items a second life. Staff will operate an on-site workshop where they can upcycle and repair furniture and household goods, preparing them for resale to residents at low cost.
For the initial fortnight, the shop's hours will be 10am to 2pm on Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. After this period, its opening times will align with the main recycling centre's schedule.
Opening Hours and Access Details
The new 'super tip' will operate seven days a week, with varying hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 9am – 5pm
- Tuesday: 10am – 6pm
- Thursday: 9am – 4pm
Residents wishing to use the site must provide proof of residence, such as a driving licence, a recent council tax letter, or a utility bill.
With the opening of the new centre, the existing tip on Merchants Way, roughly half a mile away, will permanently close its gates from Sunday, February 1. The Fryers Road facility in Bloxwich will remain open for now, pending future redevelopment plans from the council.
Councillor Suky Samra, portfolio holder for street scene, stated: "This project is a huge development for Walsall. What has been delivered here is the definition of 'state-of-the-art'. The site will prove vital in ensuring we can continue to accommodate the waste demands we face in the borough. Our current facilities have served us well, but now is time for a new era, where we recycle and reuse more of our waste."
