Tips and recycling centres across Merseyside will remain open during the second national lockdown.

The Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA) announced it plans to keep all 14 of its sites open throughout the four-week period.

All household waste recycling centres were closed during the first lockdown, after bosses said they were “not one of the four reasons given for leaving your home.”

ClearWaste, a free, UK-wide app that forwards independent reports of fly-tipping to local councils, experienced a huge spike in April.

The alarming surge was driven by closures of tips, as well as more waste being generated as self-isolating people did clear-outs, DIY and gardening.

When recycling centres in Merseyside did reopen in May, thousands of people were left queuing for hours.

MRWA says its centres will operate in line with winter opening times (8am-5pm).

These arrangements, it says, will be kept under constant review depending upon developing local and national guidance, and any changes in coronavirus legislation.

Access restrictions will remain in place to control visitor numbers on site at any time and to ensure appropriate social distancing for members of the public and staff.

If you are visiting any site in a van – or by car at the Sefton Meadows, Formby and Rainhill sites only – you must book an appointment.

Members of the public are asked to only visit one of the centres if absolutely essential at this time.

To book an appointment go to www.merseysidewda.gov.uk