Tips to stay open during second lockdown as service classed 'essential'

IT WILL be “business as usual” at waste and recycling tips during the nation’s second lockdown after the government ruled the service was “essential”.

Sites in Pennington and Marchwood will remain open, and the current booking system will continue to operate. However, Hampshire County Council say those classed as vulnerable are “strongly advised” to stay away.

Cllr Rob Humby, cabinet member for economy, transport and environment, said he was confident each of the authority’s sites could operate in a “Covid-safe” way.

“I’m really pleased we’ve got absolute clarity from the government,” he said. “For this lockdown, the national guidance defines waste services as essential.

“And it’s also good news that the government has said construction is not expected to close operations down.”

Authorities were criticised for keeping tips closed during the first lockdown, with many blaming the move on an increase in flytipping. There were lengthy queues when sites finally reopened in May.

Cllr Humby confirmed that improvement work on Hampshire’s highway network will also go ahead as planned. “It’s business as usual,” he said.

“With an anticipated drop in traffic, we’ll make good use of this quieter time on the roads to press ahead with work across the county.

“This includes our Operation Resilience programme to make the roads more resilient to the impact of severe weather, as well as new schemes.”

Slots at household waste and recycling centres can be booked seven days in advance on HCC’s website at www.hants.gov.uk/wasteandrecycling/recyclingcentres/book-appointment.

Those without internet access can call 023 8017 9949 between 9am and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Car registration plates will be checked by staff on arrival, so visitors will need to arrive in the vehicle specified in the booking.

“Parking arrangements are in place with site staff guiding vehicles, from a safe distance, into spaces,” said a spokesperson. “As far as possible, only one person per household should leave their vehicle during their visit to the HWRC.

“Due to social distancing measures, staff will be unable to provide any assistance with unloading material or carrying material, so residents should bring only the amount of waste they can comfortably carry and empty into containers.”

Re-use sales areas will close, in line with government restrictions on the shutting of all non-essential shops.

As per government guidelines, residents in the specified vulnerable category – those who are clinically extremely vulnerable, people over 70 and pregnant women – should not visit sites.