Household waste centres set to reopen soon to avoid 'health risk'

Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCS) could open their doors on May 11 with new measures in place including social distancing.

The date is subject to further guidance expected from the government next week on travel to an HWRC during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Councillor Rob Humby, deputy leader at Hampshire County Council, said: ‘We have been working on plans to reopen our sites for people to use where it is essential they do so because they cannot store their waste without causing a risk of injury, health or harm.’

‘When Hampshire’s HWRCs are ready to reopen – a range of new measures will be in place.

‘Rather like supermarkets, social distancing measures will apply, limiting the number of people allowed in at any one time and operating reduced opening hours so the sites can be thoroughly cleaned each day.’

The council will not be enforcing its number plate recognition service.

Meanwhile, Portsmouth City Council is working with partners on plans to allow residents safe access to its Port Solent site.

Councillor Dave Ashmore, cabinet member for environment, said: ‘We know how important the household waste and recycling centre is to Portsmouth residents and we want to find an appropriate way to reopen it so residents can go there while maintaining social distancing rules.’

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