06.05.20
Ministers guide councils on safe re-opening of recycling centres
Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs) are starting to reopen across the country in areas where councils are able to implement social distancing rules.
The Government published guidance for local authorities yesterday (May 5) on the safe re-opening of the HWRCs in their regions, as demand soars following the lockdown period.
Storing waste in homes and businesses has had to take place of correctly disposing it recently as the country locked down to avoid the spread of coronavirus. It has also led to the uptake of fly-tipping and littering in communities.
Now councils are being encouraged to open HWRCs to avoid this, and the public can travel to a centre to dispose of their waste if storing in their home presents risk of injury or risk to health or environment.
The Government guidance looks to support councils in planning the reopening, including limiting the number of people allowed on site at any one time and protecting the workforce through social distancing.
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."
Cllr David Renard, Environment spokesman for the Local Government Association, said:
"Councils are keen to open household waste and recycling centres as soon as practicable. The decision to re-open sites will be taken by individual councils based on risk assessments in their area.
"This will be a gradual process over the next few weeks and based on whether they have enough staff, social distancing measures are in place to protect workers and members of the public and waste staff are given personal protective equipment to reduce the risk of infection and provide reassurance.
"Councils will introduce measures to keep staff and customers safe, for example by managing visits through pre-booked time slots.
"People should only travel to re-opened HWRCs if it is essential – if their waste is posing a risk to their health, the local environment, or a risk of injury. They should always check with their local council that their waste and recycling centre has reopened before driving there."