Dorset Council has issued the following news item:
Dorset Council and its contractors W&S Recycling have worked closely to bring in several new measures at its household recycling centres (HRCs, or ‘the tip’) aimed at tackling the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The restrictions come amid an increased number of visitors to the Council’s ten sites over the weekend, apparently ignoring central government advice for people to avoid unnecessary travel and public places, and to keep their distance from others.
Site employees have reported an increase in garden waste being dropped off – most likely due to lots of people gardening in the improving weather – as well as waste linked to DIY work and house clearances.
The measures below have now been put in place and are designed to keep the HRCs open while reducing the risk of infection to site staff and visitors: –
- All reuse areas are now closed
- The amount of available assistance given by site staff in unloading waste or helping carry items will be reduced
- Only contactless payments will be accepted for chargeable items. No cash will be accepted.
Cllr Tony Alford, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Customer, Community and Regulatory Services, said:
“We understand that people need to keep busy while they are self-isolating at home and/or observing social distancing guidance, including gardening, DIY jobs or just having a clear-out.
Advice from central government is clear – avoid all non-essential travel and public places. This includes journeys to your local household recycling centre.
If you are producing excess waste that cannot be placed in your rubbish and recycling bins, we strongly advise that you keep hold of that waste, and reduce any journeys to your household recycling centre until the current coronavirus (COVID-19) public health guidance is relaxed.
We have a responsibility to protect our contracted employees and other members of the public to ensure their safety. If visitor numbers continue to increase, and/or staffing levels are reduced, we may be forced to introduce further measures.”
