Waltham Abbey Recycling Centre will reopen this Friday as coronavirus lockdown restrictions are eased.

On July 10, Essex County Council (ECC) will reopen the final six recycling centres which have remained closed since March 24.

Strict social distancing controls will be in place, including a limit to the number of cars on site at any one time.

ECC expects “very long queues” when sites reopen at 9am.

Cllr Simon Walsh, cabinet member for environment, said: “I’m pleased to announce the government's easing of lockdown has meant we’re able to safely open these smaller recycling centres.

“With all recycling centres in Essex open on Friday, July 10, the priority remains the same - we must ensure the safety of residents and site staff, which is why a number of new restrictions and social distancing measures have been put in place.

“These safety measures will make your visit take longer than normal, so please be patient and expect long queues. To avoid these queues, I’d urge anyone able to make use of other ways to dispose of their waste, such as kerbside collections, to do so. I’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding at this time."

On site, staff will be directing traffic while only one person will be allowed to exit the vehicle when on site.

Residents are urged not to queue before sites open due to possible congestion.

On May 18, 15 of Essex’s 21 recycling centres reopened with two metre social distancing requirements.

Changes to government guidance on social distancing has led to the reopening of the remaining six recycling centres: Burnham-on-Crouch Recycling Centre, Lawford Recycling Centre, Dovercourt Recycling Centre, Kirby le Soken Recycling Centre, Waltham Abbey Recycling Centre, and West Mersea Recycling Centre.

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