Mr Jenrick made the comments while speaking in parliament today on safe working practices for waste collection staff during the COVID-19 outbreak.
“Our binmen and women have done a fantastic job, maintaining the vast majority of collections. The Government published advice to councils on how to ensure the safety of refuse collections on 7 April,” Mr Jenrick said.
He added: “Today I am announcing that I am asking councils to plan the organised reopening of household waste collection sites. I expect this to happen over the coming weeks, and I will be publishing amended guidance shortly.”
HWRCs
The comments come as the latest survey results from ADEPT show that 92% of the 180 English councils which responded to ADEPTs survey said their HWRCs are shut.
However, Wigan council has announced that all three of its centres have reopened with strict measures in place, and the Merseyside Waste and Recycling Authority announced on 27 April that it will open all five of its centres.
The issue has sparked much debate in the waste indsutry too, with Suz releasing a report saying they shouldn’t be considered essential, and Veolia releasing a similar report saying they should.
“Today I am announcing that I am asking councils to plan the organised reopening of household waste collection sites”
Earlier this month, Defra also encouraged councils to open the facilities (see letsrecycle.com story).
Restrictions will be in place at both Liverpool and Wigan centres, including:
- The number of vehicles allowed on site will be restricted, and queuing times will be significantly higher.
- Cars only
- One person per vehicle (NB. Blue Badge holders will be able to be accompanied by one family member)
- No vans, commercial-type vehicles or large trailers
- Social distancing of at least 2metreswill be strictly enforced
- Site Employees will not be able to assist with unloading
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