Monmouthshire County Council has announced that its Llanfoist and Five Lanes recycling centres will be reopening on Tuesday 26^th May. Detailed plans have been put into place to ensure that residents’ visits to the centre are managed in a safe and structured way, complying with all current advice on social distancing.

In this initial period of reopening the council has stressed that visits to the centre should only take place if classed as essential, if it is a risk to safety or health to keep the waste at home. If the items can be recycled by the regular collections, such as cardboard, then these items should still be placed in the appropriate red or purple recycling bags for collection.

Residents will not be able to just turn up. Pre-booking is essential. Anyone turning up without a booking will be turned away at the gate. Details on how to book will be released next week, as soon as the new system is up and running and thoroughly tested. Keep an eye on social media and on the website www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/recycling-and-waste/ for details as soon as they are available.

Councillor Jane Pratt, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said, “We appreciate the importance of opening Llanfoist and Five Lanes  recycling centres, and thank residents for their patience while they have had to be closed. In order to reopen we’ve had to consider the safety of everyone concerned.”

“As a result, we ask that if you or anyone in your household has symptoms of COVID19 or is currently shielding, please do not visit the centres. Only go if it is essential. Do observe social distancing when you visit, and take your own gloves or hand sanitiser with you. It’s important to reduce your time at the recycling centre, and this is why we are asking for everyone to pre-sort their recycling before they leave home. Residents should take their permit with them to the centre,” Councillor Pratt explained. “Most important of all, please book if you want to use the recycling centre. Don’t just turn up. If we all work together, and stick to the guidelines, those who need to use the centres will be able to do so safely.”

Larger items of recycling can also be collected from your kerbside. The bulky waste collection service is restarting on Monday 18^th May, and residents will be able to ring Homemakers on 01873 857618 from 9am to book a collection. For further details visit https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/bulky-waste-and-large-item-collections/ Due to the backlog caused by two months’ closure, the service will only collect a maximum of three items (£15 charge). If residents had a collection booked, that was not collected due to lockdown, Homemakers will be in touch.

Garden waste collections will also recommence from Monday 18^th May. At this time the council is unable to process any new or renewal applications, but it is hoped this will be addressed soon. The council’s website has more information about garden waste at  https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/recycling-and-waste/garden-waste/

ENDS