Doncaster tips and recycling centres 'could reopen in weeks'

Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick has revealed he is urging council’s to organise the ‘opening’ of household waste and recycling centres, provided safe measures can be put in place and social distancing can be upheld.

The move will be a relief to senior council figures, who have recently expressed disgust in an increase of fly-tipping reports across Doncaster.

Coun Chris McGuinness, whose cabinet portfolio includes waste and fly-tipping enforcement, recently hit out at ‘disgusting’ residents who are using secluded areas of the borough to dump waste.

He also urged people to be wary of so-called firms on social media charging for the removal of waste, but who in turn dump it somewhere else.

Councils like Doncaster are seeing an 80 per cent hike in fly-tipping call-outs during the coronavirus lockdown.

The pandemic has meant the council has reduced some services, including picking up litter and dumped rubbish, to be able to respond to the needs of vulnerable communities who are most in need of help, to ensure safe working practices for staff.

Residents are currently being urged to hold on to their excess household waste and consider not doing DIY or large clear outs and, where possible, home composting.

Mr Jenrick said sites should reopen within weeks and said Government officials would release updated guidance for councils to ensure the operations remain safe.

Extra precautions are likely to be brought in, limiting the amount of people and vehicles allowed on site at all times, while appointment slots could be handed out to manage peaks in attendance.

Mr Jenrick said: “Our bin men and women have done a fantastic job maintaining the vast majority of collections.

“The Government published advice to councils on how to ensure the safety of refuse collections April 7.

“I can announce that I am asking councils to plan the organised opening of household waste collection sites.”