Lancashire County Council closed a recycling centre in Preston in line with strict Covid-19 regulations imposed by the government. However, it altered the nature of its operation so that it could move forward.
Journeys to recycling hubs were not listed as essential trips at the beginning of the crisis. Nonetheless, councils were soon given the instruction that closures of the centres had to be temporary. As a result, local authorities were obliged to come up with proposals to reduce the risks associated with the acceptance of visitors by the staff.
Albert Atkinson, a county councillor with responsibility for waste management, explained the complexity of the process:
“I also want to prepare people to expect a much more limited service than they’re used to when the centres initially reopen due to the need to operate them in a way which enables social distancing.”
It appears that some of the potential problems associated with the management of the recycling sites can be resolved. Poster printing can be handy when customers require clear messages, especially when a serious issue needs to be addressed.
Councillor Atkinson is clear that booking systems may regulate the flow of users successfully. In addition, limiting the variety of waste that passes through the hubs might prevent the virus spreading as much as it otherwise could.