Councils to plan for safe re-opening of recycling centres

The government has published new guidance on how recycling centres can be safely re-opened during the coronavirus outbreak.

Councils are being encouraged to open sites to avoid the build-up of waste in homes and businesses and reduce the opportunity for fly-tipping. However, this should only happen where social distancing can be maintained and the public and staff can be kept safe.

Under the terms of the lockdown, householders can travel to a centre if the waste in their home presents a risk of injury or a risk to public health or the local environment. The new guidance, produced by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, sets out how local authorities could manage access and the number of people who are able to be on site at any one time.

Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: “Maintaining crucial waste services while protecting public health remains a top priority during these unprecedented times, and I commend our councils on the superbly efficient job they are doing in keeping waste collection services running. We are publishing this guidance to help local authorities re-open their recycling centres over the coming days and weeks. This will ensure that more waste can be properly disposed of and we avoid the likelihood of fly-tipping.”

Local Government Minister Simon Clarke said: “Councils have been working tirelessly to keep rubbish and recycling collections open during this national emergency, while bin crews are also playing a vital role in keeping the country going. Many residents have not been able to dispose of all of their excess or bulky waste. That is why we are helping councils to reopen these sites, where safe to do so, in a planned and organised way over the next few weeks.”