PETERSFIELD reycling centre in Bedford Road and others in East Hampshire are to partially close due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Due to a huge increase in the number of people visiting recycling centres across the county, Hampshire County Council has imposed restrictions so they can open in safety.

Council deputy leader Rob Humby said: “Over Mothers Day weekend, 29,000 people visited our recyling centres, and to put that into context, our busiest Easter bank holiday weekends might see a maximum of 22,000 people.

“Our priority is to keep visitors and staff safe. Of course I understand that residents are taking the opportunity to get into their gardens or do jobs around the house during the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, but it is important to remember that social dis-tancing applies wherever we are, including when we visit recycling cntres.

I am asking residents to only visit one if it is absolutely necessary, and then to respect the rules we are introducing to strictly limit the number of visitors on site at any time.

"We are asking them to be patient and respectful during this difficult time but I would like to remind people that we take a zero tolerance approach to aggressive or abusive behaviour.”

Those with small amounts of ‘black bag’ waste or mixed recyclables should not go to centres, and instead use their kerbside recycling and disposal services.

For waste such as bulky items, card, wood and metal, where possible, store at home, and consider home composting methods for green waste.

Anyone who has coronavirus symptoms, or who has an underlying health condition or is aged 70 or over should not visit a recycling centre.

Social distancing measures are now in place at each site, and all vis-itors are asked to follow social distancing guidance.

And residents must handle their own waste without any assistance from site staff to ensure no contact and members of the public must lift or carry items as staff assistance will regrettably not be provided at this time.

Cash will not be accepted on site, only card paymentswill now be accepted, and only a reduced number of visitors will be allowed access at any one time.

Cllr Humby added: "Please be aware that this may impact queuing time to enter the site, please visit only if it is absolutely necessary."

For helpful ways to reduce household waste, visit the Hampshire Smart Living website at www.hants.gov.uk › wasteandrecycling › smartliving where you will find tips on reducing food waste, home composting and more.