Hucknall residents reminded only to use recycling centres if 'absolutely necessary'

Nottinghamshire County Council’s waste team is reminding people that they should only be disposing of their waste during lockdown if it is ‘absolutely necessary’.

Mick Allen, group manager for place commissioning, place and communities at Nottinghamshire County Council said: “We have noticed an increasing number of people are visiting the sites, which is resulting in queuing at busy times.

“I’d like to remind residents that we are currently in a national lockdown and people should only be taking waste to the recycling centres if absolutely necessary and the waste cannot be stored safely at home or disposed of through the regular kerbside services.”

Residents are reminded that social distancing measures are still in place at sites and they may have to queue. They are asked to avoid queuing on main roads.

The council has also urged people to sort waste in to different types before arrival and avoid busy periods if possible, such as weekends and between 10am and 4pm.

Only one person should get out of each car so people are asked only to take waste that they can comfortably carry by themselves.

The sites cannot currently provide help to carry waste except in emergency situations.

Visitors are advised to wear a face covering at the centres if their health allows and should stay at home if they have coronavirus symptoms.

People are advised to sanitise their hands before arrival and as they leave.

The sites only accept household waste from Nottinghamshire residents who have a permit and no commercial waste.

Mr Allen added: “All our recycling centres are currently open 8am to 6pm, which will extend to 8am to 8pm from April 1, so people will have more time to dispose of their waste at the sites once lockdown eases.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to local people who have worked with us during these challenging times and also to the staff who are working hard to keep the sites open and running.”