“Councils are keen to open household waste and recycling centres (HWRCs) as soon as practicable. The decision to re-open sites will be taken by individual councils based on risk assessments in their area."
Responding to guidance published by Defra today to councils on reopening household waste and recycling centres (HWRCs), Cllr David Renard, Environment spokesman for the Local Government Association, said:
“Councils are keen to open household waste and recycling centres (HWRCs) 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.”