Queues to be expected at Household Waste Recycling Sites warns County Council

The County Council is asking for residents to be patient as Household Waste Recycling Sites in West Sussex start to accept a wider range of waste.

In order to minimise queues, people are being asked not to arrive at the sites before they open in the morning, and to check opening times and days online before setting off. It is taking longer for people to move through the site in order to allow for social distancing.

Only one person is allowed out of each vehicle at a time unless strictly necessary, and staff cannot help unload waste, again to ensure social distancing measures are maintained.

Residents disposing of large, bulky items are asked to wait before visiting, either until the sites are quieter or social distancing measures can be reduced as it can take longer to safely remove these items from vehicles without assistance.

Before setting off, consider whether your journey is necessary or if it can wait until the sites are less busy.

Deborah Urquhart, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “We initially limited the amount of waste and the types of vehicle allowed in the sites in order to minimise queues.

“The sites are now accepting a much wider range of waste including electrical items, furniture and white goods and, as a result, queuing has become normal at sites and users could be in for a long wait.

“We have noticed people arriving at the sites with large items and then struggling to unload them on their own. Unfortunately staff cannot help with this because of social distancing measures. We ask that only one person leaves the vehicle to dispose of waste unless strictly necessary. Residents are therefore spending longer at the sites and this is contributing towards the long queues.

“I appreciate people are keen to dispose of these items but I would ask they consider if their journey can wait another week or two until the sites are quieter.”

Vans and pickup trucks with a permit can now enter sites. Trailers are still not allowed at this time, to help ensure social distancing and to limit queues.

To apply for a van or pickup permit, visit: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/land-waste-and-housing/waste-and-recycling/van-pickup-and-trailer-waste-permit/

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