RUBBISH tips will be closed over the Christmas and New Year period.

Merseyside Recycling & Waste Authority has confirmed that due to industrial action strikes by Veolia staff, the tips will be closed throughout December and January.

This includes St Helens' recycling centres at Ravenhead on Burtonhead Road; Junction Lane, Newton-le-Willows and Tasker Terrace, Rainhill.

When will the tips be closed?

Households will not be able to dispose of their rubbish at Household Waste Recycling Centres from Wednesday, December 28 to Saturday, January 7 and Sunday, January 15 to Saturday, January 21.

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Posting on social media, a spokesperson from Merseyside Recycling & Waste Authority said: “Due to planned industrial action Merseyside’s Recycling Centres are closed: Weds 28th Dec to Sat 7th Jan AND Sun 15th Jan to Sat 21st Jan.

“Wherever you can, please store your waste and recycling until the Recycling Centres are open. Thank you for your patience.”

What are the strikes about?

The decision comes after it was announced that members of Unite Union, employed by Veolia on household waste and recycling sites throughout Merseyside, would be taking strike action after Christmas.

The 180 workers will begin strike action at the 22 sites where they are employed.

The majority of the workers are paid £9.50 an hour, including those who have an HGV class two driving licence, with class one HGV drivers receiving £11.87 an hour.

Unite is seeking an increase of 50 pence an hour for the majority of the staff, increasing pay to £10 an hour, with class two HGV drivers being paid £12 an hour and class one drivers receiving £14.47 an hour.

As part of the pay claim, Unite expects the differentials to be maintained when the national minimum wage increases in April 2023.

Veolia has been prepared to offer a 20 pence an hour pay increase.