North Tyneside Council has lifted its temporary ban on accepting fridges and freezers at its Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) in North Shields. The ban, introduced last week, was among measures taken by councils across the country amid a national backlog in processing white goods.
Ban lifted after backlog cleared
As of Tuesday afternoon, the tip on Wallsend Road can accept fridges and freezers again. In a statement on social media, the council said: “We’re now able to take fridges and freezers again at the Household Waste Recycling Centre, and bulky waste bookings are back open for these items too.”
The council thanked residents for their patience, adding: “Thanks a lot to everyone who kept hold of their appliances while things were on pause. Our teams have cleared the backlog, and we’ve not seen any rise in fly‑tipping, which we really appreciate.”
Regional impact and resident reaction
North Tyneside, along with parts of Northumberland, was one of the few council areas in the North East to block fridges and freezers at its tips due to the backlog. Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, South Tyneside, and Durham councils all said they were monitoring the situation as it developed.
Last week, residents expressed frustration with the ban, with several fearing an increase in fly-tipping. One resident called the move “shocking”, while another said: “I pay £25 a year to park outside my own house and also pay £25 a year to have my garden waste collected. When you pay your council tax, you expect something from them.”
Residents can now book bulky waste collections or check HWRC opening times as normal.
