Newham Council is urging residents to be patient and not to rush immediately to the Reuse and Recycling Centre in Beckton which has reopened to the public following advice from the Government.
People are asked to visit the centre in Jenkins Lane only if it is absolutely necessary and will have to adhere to social distancing measures, meaning it will be busy and could take longer to get in and out to get rid of lockdown rubbish.
The centre, run by Renewi Waste Management for East London Waste Authority on behalf of Newham Council, had to close at the start of the lockdown to comply with social distancing rules and to allow focus on household waste collections.
Councillor James Asser, Cabinet member for environment, highways and sustainable transport and vice-chair of ELWA, said: “The Government have now said councils can reopen waste facilities with social distancing in place for essential visits only. In the early stages we ask residents to go only if their journey is absolutely essential. The Government say a visit is only essential if waste or recycling cannot be stored without causing a risk of injury or harm, or pose a risk to the health of members of a household.
“We appreciate how hard people have been working to keep on top of waste, but it won't be possible for everyone to suddenly get rid of rubbish they have built up over recent weeks all in one go. Only go to Jenkins Lane if absolutely necessary. Reuse or recycle items wherever possible and continue to use using kerbside collections or book a collection through the bulky waste service which has now resumed. Queues are expected at Jenkins Lane so please be patient."
For their own protection and for the protection of staff, there will be some changes to the way residents can use the site. They are:
- Entry will be via Eric Clarke Lane, off Royal Docks Road. Exit will be via Jenkins Lane.
- Staff will not assist with handling and moving items out of cars because of social distancing.
- The minimum number of people required to unload the waste should attend and should be from the same household. If children cannot be left at home, they must remain in the vehicles.
- Large vans and trailers will not be allowed, nor will any commercial waste initially.
- Residents will need to show their most recent Council Tax statement or a driving licence as proof of residence in Newham.
To help prevent the spread of coronavirus infection, windows must be kept shut while queuing and once inside the centre. Social distancing must be maintained from staff and other residents while on site. Residents should not visit the site if they, or a member of their household, has symptoms of coronavirus and should be in isolation as per health guidelines.
Please wear gloves and masks if you can, avoid touching your face and wash your hands thoroughly after returning home. Hand sanitiser will not be provided at the site. Take gloves and masks home and dispose of them responsibly in your own bin.
Councillor Asser added: “We ask that people respect staff at the centre because they are doing an important job in difficult circumstances. Treat them with respect and consideration. Anyone abusing staff will be asked to leave the site immediately.”
Further information, including how to apply to take in restricted DIY-type waste, can be found at www.newham.gov.uk/jenkinslane