Bristol's recycling centres, also known as tips, have now closed as the coronavirus lockdown continues.
The city’s waste and recycling collection services will continue as normal but no one will be able to visit centres from today (Thursday).
On Monday, Boris Johnson ordered everyone to stay at home and only leave for essential foods, medicines or daily exercise. He said these measures will help protect our NHS which is struggling to cope with the surging numbers of patients infected by COVID-19.
The specific list of reasons to venture outside exclude going to drop-off rubbish and therefore both St Philips Household Waste Recycling Centre and Avonmouth Household Waste Recycling Centre have now closed.
Garden waste collections are also being suspended from Monday (30 March), with residents’ subscriptions being extended.
During this crisis, council bosses are urging everyone to delay projects which may create additional waste or recycling and residents should also compost garden waste.
Mayor Marvin Rees said: “Thanks to the dedication and commitment of our crews, our waste and recycling collection services have continued to operate, but the continuing safety implications of the coronavirus outbreak mean closing our Reuse & Recycling Centres is necessary at this time.
“I understand the inconvenience this action and the suspension of garden waste collections may cause some of our citizens but we must prioritise the safety of our staff, the public and especially the vulnerable at this time, which means following the government guidance surrounding limiting the amount of time spent outdoors.
“I would ask everyone to avoid any projects generating additional waste or recycling and especially avoid the temptation of fly-tipping, which is not only illegal but ruins areas of our city, places extra strain on our services and is intolerable for those who live near it.
“By working co-operatively together during this difficult time, including following the guidance on how present and prepare our waste and recycling for collection, we can all help to keep our streets and surroundings as clean as possible
People should also avoid throwing used tissues and disposable cleaning cloths into recycling bins to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
These items should be double-bagged, tied securely and kept separate from other waste for 72 hours, before being placed in your black wheelie bin.
Bulky waste collections and bin deliveries were suspended from Tuesday.
For more information about collections during this crisis, visit the Bristol City Council website. Or for facts about bins, recycling and street cleansing visit Bristol Waste.
