Wigan tips: hours, permits and rules
Here's how Wigan's three recycling centres work, checked against Wigan Council pages on 30 October 2026.
- Three tips: Kirkless (WN2 2PR), Slag Lane (WA3 1BZ) and Chanters (M46 9BP)
- Winter hours 9am to 5.45pm every day. Summer hours 8am to 7.45pm
- Wigan Borough residents only. Show a photo driving licence
- A van, pick-up or flat-back vehicle needs a free permit for each visit
- Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day
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Wigan's tips
| Tip | Postcode | Longest trailer | Asbestos? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kirkless | WN2 2PR | Up to 4m | Yes, by appointment |
| Slag Lane | WA3 1BZ | Up to 3m | No |
| Chanters | M46 9BP | Up to 3m | No |
Hours
The hours change twice a year. From the last Sunday in October the sites open 9am to 5.45pm every day, bank holidays included, from the last Sunday in October. From the last Sunday in March they open 8am to 7.45pm every day from the last Sunday in March. Closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. The council says a site may close early if queues build near closing time.
Who can use them
The sites are for Wigan Borough residents only. You will be asked for your photo driving licence as proof of a Wigan Borough address. If you still hold a paper licence, also show a utility bill. Pedestrians cannot carry waste on, only adults should unload, and children and pets stay in the vehicle. There is a 5 mph limit on all sites.
Vehicles and trailers
Cars need no permit. Anything else does: a van, a pick-up, a flat-back or a vehicle with no rear windows needs a free single-use permit. A car can tow a single axle trailer up to 3 metres at Slag Lane and Chanters, or up to 4 metres at Kirkless. Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and trailers over 4 metres are not allowed anywhere, and tipping gear cannot be used. See the tip permit guide.
What they take
The Kirkless visitor guide lists containers for rubble and soil, plasterboard, tyres, paint, wood, cardboard, scrap metal, textiles, garden waste, fridges and freezers, TVs, small and large domestic appliances, car batteries, gas bottles, engine and cooking oil, and non-recyclable waste. The guide gives no charges or amounts, so ask at the gate about large loads. The council does not accept sharps, petrol, diesel or unidentified chemicals. Asbestos is taken at Kirkless only: see asbestos disposal in Wigan.
Trade waste
Trade waste is not allowed, and the council says that includes waste from traders, landlords and property developers. It adds that putting trade waste in a Wigan recycling centre may be a criminal offence.
No tip trip? A licensed company can collect: rubbish removal, single items, builders' waste or house clearance.
Tip not an option?
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