Weston-super-Mare’s recycling centre is to open later this month – with special measures in place.
North Somerset Council has announced that the recycling and waste centre at Aisecome Way will re-open on May 18, for essential visits only.
Council chiefs have said people must only visit the centre if it is essential to dispose of waste that cannot be picked up as part of the authority’s kerbside collections.
Changes will be put in place on how the site will operate to comply with current Government social distancing guidelines.
Only a certain number of people will be able to visit at one time, with people being warned of longer than normal queues as a result.
The move comes after the Government announced local councils should start re-opening recycling centres as lockdown measures are set to ease.
A North Somerset Council spokesman said: "We will be re- opening Weston-super-Mare recycling centre (Aisecome Way) on the 18th May for essential journeys only.
“In line with government guidance we ask that people only to use the recycling centre if it is essential to do so.
“A visit to the recycling centre must only be made if waste cannot be disposed of via kerbside collections, or safely stored at home.
“People should ask themselves if it necessary to visit, or could it wait?
“There will be significant changes to how the site will operate.
“There will be social distancing measures in place to ensure the safety of staff and residents.
“This will mean fewer people allowed on the site at one time.
“Please be considerate to others and be aware that a visit may result in much longer waiting times than normal.”
The council is expected to open its other recycling centres in Portishead and Backwell in the coming weeks.
The spokesman added: “Portishead and Backwell recycling centres will open in the following weeks, but we face greater challenges with traffic management around these sites in order to ensure this is done safely.
“We are working hard towards opening all North Somerset recycling centres as soon as possible and will update our social media and website with more information when details are finalised."
