On Thursday 14 May, all of Suffolk’s 11 recycling centre sites re-opened on an appointment only basis. Since then, 95% of all slots have been booked. This amounts to 28,500 appointments. The booking system has proved an efficient and effective way of allowing people to easily dispose of their rubbish and helping manage demand on the service. The system has received widespread public support. It has helped reduce traffic disruption on roads around the sites and supported social distancing on site for staff and members of the public.
The initial road closures that were put in place at Fornham Road, Bury St Edmunds, and Foxhall Road, Foxhall, were lifted after five days. Sir Alf Ramsey Way, Ipswich, remains closed for the time being, with the closure reviewed regularly.
From 28 May, in line with the phased approach, and because of the success of the booking system, car derived vans can access the sites via online booking. Charges for DIY waste from households, like soil, rubble or hardcore, will also be accepted, but trade waste still cannot be taken to the sites. Contactless card payments will be taken at a kiosk on site, in line with social distancing measures. Bags of compost will also be available to buy on site.
Paul West, Cabinet member for Waste at Suffolk County Council, said:
“The success of the re-opening of the recycling centres has been largely down to the cooperation and willingness of people to comply with the temporary guidelines and support social distancing on site.
“Thank you for playing your part in helping us with the smooth transition of getting Suffolk’s recyclable waste moving again. The positive comments and feedback from our residents have been overwhelming and very much appreciated by site staff.”
Temporary rules still apply, which include:
- No access to sites without pre-booking
- Cars, car derived vans, and pedestrians only – no larger vans, trailers or commercial-type vehicles
- One adult to unload, unless two adults are needed for heavy items
- No staff assistance to unload vehicles
- No trade waste
- No textiles or re-use items accepted.
To make a booking, please visit www.suffolk.gov.uk/recyclingcentres. If you do not have access to the internet, call 0345 606 6067. To prevent dangerous queueing, residents without a booking will not be able to enter the site. Residents must not arrive on site more than five minutes before their allocated time.
Any waste you have which is contaminated, or suspected to have been contaminated, with COVID 19 must be double-bagged and kept at home for 72 hours before it is brought to site.
Suffolk County Council continues to review the temporary rules and will continue to remove restrictions to the service when it is safe to do so.
People who are, or have anyone in their household, suffering from Covid-19 symptoms, or who have been diagnosed as having the virus, must not visit recycling centres. Please follow the government’s guidance on self-isolating and shielding.
