Huge tailbacks with thousands of people queuing for hours to dump their rubbish, took place as tips opened for the first time in seven weeks.
Birmingham City Council decided to open four of its five sites today, following the Government's coronavirus lockdown.
The recycling centres didn't open until 11am but huge queues were forming as early as 8.30am as residents were eager to get rid of weeks of unwanted rubbish.
Waste sites across the country are set to follow suit in the coming days, with many opening over the Bank Holiday weekend, in a bid to stop flytipping.
Drivers dumping rubbish are warned to attend with just one person in the car, and not to come if they are self-isolating or have covid-19 symptoms.
The sites in Birmingham are operated by private contractor Veolia which released a statement today saying the tips had been opened for essential use only.
A statement from Veolia said: "To ensure the safety of the public and our staff, we are opening for essential use only.
"This is for residents who have a problem with storing too much waste or have oils
or other hazardous waste at home.
"Please think carefully before you decide to visit the site.
"Non-essential use puts yourself, other members of the public and our staff at risk from spreading the infection.
"Anyone in self-isolation or with covid-19 symptoms must NOT visit under any circumstances.
"The number of vehicles on-site will be restricted and cars should be driver-only where possible.
"Extra guidelines in place will cause delays and we ask you to be patient. Our staff are working hard in difficult circumstances to keep this site operating.
"Please treat our staff with respect at all times. We take our responsibility to your health and safety and that of our staff very seriously.
"We will be cleaning handrails regularly and closing the site at certain times to allow for thorough cleaning. Our operatives are following Government and industry guidance on personal hygiene."
Vans and trailers will not be permitted at any site and only one person should be in each vehicle going to any of the tips.
Social distancing will be maintained on sites at all times, which means staff will not be able to assist the public with their waste disposal.
