RECYCLING centres have reopened across Somerset today - but they haven't been overrun by cars.
Somerset Waste Partnership reopened 11 of its 16 centres this morning, for residents to make 'essential' trips to dispose of waste.
Tough restrictions are in place, including a one-in-one-out system, and an odd/even registration number entry.
REOPEN: There were a few cars queueing at Priorswood Recycling Centre this morning, but traffic flowed well
There were fears motorists would overrun the sites and long queues were expected.
But it appears Somerset residents have taken the 'essential' message clearly, as the centres are operating well.
The waste partnership also has live webcams for some of the sites on its websites, which, again, show the sites as coping well with the reopening.
To view the cams visit somersetwaste.gov.uk/recycling-centre-queue-cams/.
'ESSENTIAL': Poole Recycling Centre, near Wellington
Access is 'one in, one out' with an odd/even number plate system (no pedestrian or bicycle access):
- Odd numbers (eg ABC61) only Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays
- Even numbers (eg XYZ52) only Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays
Other restrictions include:
- Maximum two people per household
- No people with COVID-19 symptoms, or who have been asked to shield
- No trailers and no large vans (3.5 tonne or heavier)
- Bring gloves and use them outside vehicles
- Site staff cannot offer manual assistance with heavy items
- Reduced parking bays, site layout changes and no access to usual recycling skips to ensure social distancing
Only these materials will be taken:
- Refuse you usually put in your rubbish bin
- Garden waste
- Large electrical items, such as cookers, fridges, TVs etc
- Bulky items, such as furniture
- Hazardous chemicals, such as those from garden sheds or garages
Not taken until further notice:
- Anything involving payment, such as charged-for hardcore, soil, tyres, gas bottles or vehicle parts (compost will not be available to buy)
- Commercial waste
- Asbestos or plasterboard
Do not take, unless essential (as they will temporarily be landfilled):
- Anything usually recycled kerbside – food, card, paper, cans, glass etc
- Textiles, clothes, shoes
- Wood, metals, small electrical items
- Plastic pots, tubs, trays; Tetra Paks and other beverage cartons
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