Re-opening of Household Waste Recycling Centres

You’ll be aware that Government have asked local Councils to make the necessary preparations to re-open Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) which is a decision we fully support, and one that we know our residents are passionate about.  I’m pleased to share that, in line with guidance from DEFRA, the centres will be open again from Monday 18th May for residents to dispose of essential household waste.

Re-opening the centres at this time does come with its challenges, and we are anticipating a large number of visits, particularly in the first few weeks of them being up and running again, as with more people being at home than normal, coupled with the good weather we are having, residents are likely to have been busy with household and garden projects. 

We are asking that only essential journeys are made to the HWRCs, and for residents to only use them if waste or recycling cannot be stored safely at home without causing injury, harm or risk to health. If waste can be temporarily stored in a way that does not pose a risk, then we are asking people to keep it at home and not make the journey to a HWRC.  Additionally, and in line with Public Health England guidance, residents who are vulnerable, or who are showing symptoms which may indicate COVID-19, should not visit household recycling centres.

We have a robust plan in place to help residents dispose of essential household waste at the centres at this difficult time, to ensure the safety of themselves and staff.  As always, the health and safety of the Key Workers delivering services at the centres is of high priority, and in addition to the restrictions already in place at the HWRCs, staff will not be able to assist the public with carrying their waste as they usually do.  Social distancing measures will be present to protect the public and staff, with clear signage on display which will include restricting the number of vehicles allowed on site at any one time, and a one way system for vehicles and pedestrians.

With the expected increase in visitors to sites, and reduced capacity to comply with social distancing rules, it is anticipated that queues are highly likely. As such, officers will be on hand to help marshal traffic to ensure that no obstructions are caused. Sites may have to close temporarily throughout the day if demand becomes too high, to enable safe operations and allow traffic to disperse from the highway.

Up to date information is available on our website and we are asking residents to check this before they set out on their journey to see what dates and times their local HWRC is open