Action urged on tip queues after ‘extremely high demand’ at household waste recycling centre
Long queues formed at entrances to household waste recycling centres across North Northants over the Easter holidays resulting in several closures of tips due to high demand.
Residents eager to dump their rubbish at Kettering’s Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) in Garrard Way were turned away after containers were filled and traffic backed up on to the Rothwell Road roundabout.
As well as cars blocking the roundabout to the main entrance to Kettering General Hospital, businesses in the area reported customers being unable to access their premises.
Cllr Steve Geary (Green/St Peters), who represents the ward where the tip is located, was alerted to the issue – and been keeping an eye on the problem.
He said: “It’s been spectacularly busy over Easter. I took a wander up to the centre and popped in at about 3pm. The queue of cars was two thirds of the way up to the roundabout. There are ‘no queuing’ signs but people were still queuing.
“The concern are the queues on the industrial estate backing up into the roundabout. I have put an enquiry into the council.”
Kettering and Rushden HWRCs are open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm (closed Monday and Tuesday). Corby and Wellingborough HWRCs open from Friday to Tuesday from 10am to 6pm (closed Wednesday and Thursday)
Messages on North Northants Council’s social media advised users to be aware of possible closures due to the high demand.
It said: “We're experiencing high numbers of visitors - if needed, we will temporarily close throughout the day to disperse traffic queuing on the road.
“Vehicles that continue to queue and obstruct the approach roads may be asked to return to the site at a different time. “To help everyone, we ask that you to pre-sort your waste and recycling before leaving home, do not arrive before the site opens at 10am or block the local highway.
“Thank you for your cooperation - these measures are in place to keep everyone safe.”
In December 2025, in a potential move to stop cross-border junk dumpers, North Northants Council ordered the collection of postcode information at the council’s tips.
Neighbouring West Northants Council introduced booking systems for residents to access HWRCs which may have resulted in an increased number of users from outside the area using North Northamptonshire Council facilities.
Cllr Geary said: “Ultimately there are more people with more cars. The cars are getting longer, and fewer cars can use the space. If you have a car full of stuff, you aren’t going to take it home again.
“People need to use their intelligence. We can't afford for the hospital roundabout to be blocked up. We shall be keeping an eye on the situation.”
He added: “West Northants Council has introduced a booking system, but we’re not quite there yet.”