The tips are opening next week, but make sure you read the following from Northants County Council…
Who will be able to visit HWRCs and why?
You should only visit a HWRC if the waste you are storing at home represents a health and safety risk.
You should not visit HWRCs under any circumstances if any of the following applies:
- you are in self-isolation
- you have COVID-19 symptoms
- you live with someone who has symptoms
It is not advisable for a member of the public who is considered to be “vulnerable” to COVID-19 to use HWRC services because of the risk of increased exposure to the virus.
Pedestrian access is not permitted at any site.
When will HWRCs be open?
From Monday 18 May, the recycling centres will be open during their normal operational hours.
Some sites may have to close at short notice due to operational issues such as staff shortages or queues blocking neighbouring roads.
What will I need to know before I travel to a HWRC?
- We are anticipating a high demand for the HWRC services and given experiences elsewhere in England we are expecting long queues. So please don’t come to the HWRCs unless your visit is essential.
- If any households have had COVID-19 symptoms then the waste should be left for 72 hours before being brought to site and the waste should be double-bagged
- Avoid bringing excessive amounts and remember to pre-sort your waste before travelling, so we can get people in and out as quickly as possible to help reduce queue times.
- No medical waste should be brought to the HWRC for disposal
- You should bring a document (e.g. a bill) that displays your name and address which must be shown to site staff if requested
Please arrive at the opening time, and do not queue before the site(s) are open to enable staff to get to the site and avoid obstructing the approach roads. Early queuing may cause further delays by preventing recycling centre staff from getting to work, as well as the movement of large waste vehicles on and off site.
Members of the public obstructing the gates may be asked to move along and come back when the site is open.
Police will be patrolling approach roads and vehicles may be asked to move on if they are causing an obstruction.
Unacceptable or abusive behaviour will not be tolerated under any circumstances and the site staff reserve the right to ask to leave the HWRC without depositing your waste.
Will there be any restrictions?
- The number of vehicles on-site will be restricted and vehicles will be allowed access on a one in, one out basis
- Only one person should leave a vehicle to deposit waste
- Traffic management will be in place at all sites and due to safety concerns queueing outside of the site will be restricted, residents may be asked to leave and return at a later time
- The HWRC e-permits system will remain in force, which will restrict access for commercial type vehicles
There may be temporary closures throughout the operating day to disperse excess queuing traffic. We will keep this website and social media updated.
How will social distancing be enforced?
Social distancing will be strictly enforced on-site, which means:
- You must follow the instructions from site staff regarding the one-way systems for pedestrians that are in place
- Unfortunately, no assistance for unloading can be provided
Stay safe by wearing protective gloves, appropriate footwear and clothing. Only bring what you can safely handle as staff will not be able to help you carry your waste as they normally would.
