HOUSEHOLDERS are being urged not to rush to the county’s tips when they reopen on Monday, May 18.

All seven household waste recycling centres will operate with reduced opening hours (8am-4pm) and will be open seven days a week provided they are not overwhelmed and can operate safely.

The number of vehicles allowed on-site will be reduced by approximately 50 per cent to allow for social distancing, meaning queues are highly likely, especially at peak times such as weekends.

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People are urged only to visit if their trip is essential and they cannot safely store their waste at home.

Government guidance discourages mass use of the sites, stating: “It would be reasonable for residents to undertake a journey to a recycling centre if the waste or recycling could not be stored safely at home or disposed of through other legitimate routes such as a dedicated collection.”