Craig leads call for Kent’s Household and Waste Recycling Centres to re-open

Pressure is mounting on Kent County Council after a group of Kent MPs teamed up to formally request for Kent’s Household and Waste Recycling Centres to reopen.

Government recently issued guidance on Household and Waste Recycling Centres stating that they could remain open with extra controls on social distancing – amid a reported spike in fly-tipping, bonfires and general litter.

The thirteen Kent MPs have issued a joint call to Kent County Council leader, Cllr Roger Gough, for the recycling sites to be re-opened.

The letter to Kent County Council states:

“There have been significant reports of fly-tipping. In addition, there have been reports of a sharp increase in the amount of burning of waste in bonfires, which is bad for the environment.

“Many of our constituents do not have the ability to store additional waste long term which inevitably risks further environmental and health hazards.

“Under the latest Government guidance these sites may be open provided that they can be operated safely within social distancing requirements.

“Shops, supermarkets and many council services have already adapted to operate within the new regimes.

“The re-opening of HWRCs would be a much-needed addition to these other services.”

Craig Mackinlay MP commented:

“One loosening that is urgently required is the re-opening in a sensible way of the county’s Household Waste Recycling Centres.

“Many will have had an overdue clear out, done some DIY, sorted the garden and such like.

“We’re already seeing more fly-tipping and there is only so much extra rubbish that can be stored domestically.

“We must push Kent County Council to get our tips re-opened.”