Long queues as recycling centres finally re-open across the Wakefield district today

Recycling centre across the district opened this morning, and long queues have been predictably reported.
Queues at the district's three recycling centres.Queues at the district's three recycling centres.
Queues at the district's three recycling centres.

Wakefield Council has taken the decision to open the three centres in Wakefield, Glass Houghton and South Kirkby.

It comes after other authorities also relaxed the closures over fears of an increase in fly-tipping.

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While trying to maintain social distancing, limited vehicles are only permitted on the site and the council leader, Coun Denise Jeffery, said that queues were inevitable.

The traffic at Glass Houghton's recycling centre.The traffic at Glass Houghton's recycling centre.
The traffic at Glass Houghton's recycling centre.

She also said that if the sites are continually overrun then a booking system may be introduced.

Coun Jeffery said: "We know how important it is to residents to be able to dispose of excess rubbish properly, especially with more people staying at home during lockdown.

“As we move into the managing the next phase of the coronavirus outbreak, we, and our partners at Renewi, have been able to reprioritise our resources to enable us to reopen the recycling centres.

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“We have worked very hard to get the sites open again, although the way we operate them will need to be different to protect residents and staff.

The council says it has used traffic measures to help reduce traffic impact. Pictured is the entrance to Wakefield's recycling centre.The council says it has used traffic measures to help reduce traffic impact. Pictured is the entrance to Wakefield's recycling centre.
The council says it has used traffic measures to help reduce traffic impact. Pictured is the entrance to Wakefield's recycling centre.

People have been incredibly understanding when we needed to shut the sites and we ask that you continue to bear with us. We fully expect there will be long queues and ask for everyone to be patient and considerate.”

Wakefield Council says it has put traffic management in place on the main roads that access the three sites to try and minimise the impact.

Anyone bringing waste to the site must bring their permit or proof of address with them. No cars can be allowed access on to the site without this.