In the wake of a common decision to reopen most sites in London, the local authority organisation London Councils issued a message to residents asking them to only visit HWRCs if it is “essential”.
London Councils says the majority of councils in the capital have opened their facilities and urged the public to help keep the “essential service” running.
Safety
Cllr Julian Bell, chair of London Councils’ transport and environment committee, said: “The safety of Londoners and borough workers is paramount, which is why HWRCs are unlikely to re-open at exactly the same time or run at full capacity due to social distancing guidelines and pressures on staff and local roads. Boroughs may also introduce new measures such as pre-booked timeslots or change opening times where necessary.
“We ask Londoners to help us keep these services running smoothly by only visiting a HWRC when it is absolutely essential, planning visits carefully by checking borough websites, practicing social distancing and good hygiene while on site and treating all HWRC workers with respect.”
Social distancing measures will be in place across HWRCs as they reopen, with councils limiting staff assistance and imposing restrictions on vans and trailer.
Dorset
Outside of London, other councils opening sites include Dorset council. There the authority said nine of its 10 household recycling centres will open “now that central government guidance on managing HRCs in England during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been updated.”
Dorset commented: “However, the government guidance puts strong restrictions on use to help reduce non-essential journeys. Householders should only take waste to an HRC if it cannot be stored safely at home and no alternative disposal options are available.”
Scotland
HWRCs in Scotland however will be remaining closed with first minister Nicola Sturgeon insisted that lockdowns are moving at different speeds across the UK.
Ms Sturgeon extended the lockdown for three weeks on Friday, 8 May, and said it is too early to take steps such as opening HWRCs and garden centres.
Edinburgh council is typical of Scottish local authorities in keeping sites closed. Current advice from the authority to residents regarding the ongoing closure is that: “This is to ensure we are following government guidance on restricting non-essential travel and contact. If you have large items please keep them at home until our recycling centres reopen and only use communal and wheelie bins for your day to day waste and recycling.”
Wales
In Wales, councils are preparing to reopen libraries and some HWRCs as part of a gentle reduction of lockdown restrictions in the country in the coming weeks.
Northern Irish councils have been told they can reopen HWRCs and the government issued guidance last month, with some choosing to do so while others have remained closed.
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