Hampshire County Council has announced it will be re-opening Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRC) from Monday 11th May.
HWRC’s have been closed throughout the Covid-19 pandemic following Government guidelines regarding non-essential journeys.
However, Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick made it clear to Parliament at the end of April that Council’s should consider re-opening sites for residents. He stated that:
“With more people at home, more rubbish and recycling is being created.
"With many councils deciding to close their waste and recycling centres during the pandemic, there is also nowhere to take the extra rubbish.
"That is why we are asking councils to reopen these sites as a priority."
Councillor Rob Humby, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment at Hampshire County Council, said:
“Now we have clarity from the Government, we will be opening the HWRCs for those households where it is not possible to keep their waste at home during this time without causing a health risk.”
Last month local MP, Caroline Dinenage, wrote to Hampshire County Council after residents had raised their concerns about excess waste. There have also been concerns about increased fly-tipping as people are unable to dispose of their waste correctly.
Caroline commented:
“I am really pleased that the Council is re-opening sites following guidance provided by the Government.
“The first priority should always be public health, but we need to ensure that people who are staying at home for the sake of our community can dispose of waste responsibly. I recommend that residents check the Council’s website carefully to ensure they remain within the guidelines to ensure public safety.”
All of Hampshire’s 24 HWRCs are opening under hours – 10am – 4pm. There are also restrictive measures on who can visit, and anyone who has had Covid-19 symptoms in the last 14 days have been asked not to visit or travel.