All you need to know about Kettering and Rushden's recycling centres opening tomorrow

Here's everything you need to know ahead of the re-opening of Kettering and Rushden's recycling centres.

The household waste recycling sites have been shut during lockdown to help stop the spread of Covid-19.

But Northants County Council recently announced they would be re-opening, including the Kettering and Rushden sites which will be accepting waste again from tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.

In line with guidance from DEFRA the council is asking that only essential journeys to HWRCs be made, and only if waste or recycling cannot be stored safely at home without causing injury, harm or risk to health.

The council is expecting the sites to be very busy and as they will be operating at reduced capacity to comply with social distancing rules, long queues are expected.

This was seen on Monday when six of the county's nine sites opened, including the recycling centre at Brixworth - it was reported that the queue was up to one mile at one point.

Social distancing measures also mean that site staff will not be able to assist members of the public with carrying any waste, as they usually would do.

The social distancing measures will also apply for members of the public, which will mean that the number of vehicles on site at any one time will be restricted.

It will also mean that usual parking bays may not be available, and each HWRC will have one-way systems in place for vehicles and pedestrians.

On entering the site, council staff will give clear instructions.

With the anticipated traffic queues, officers will be on hand to help marshal traffic to ensure that no obstructions are caused.

As is usual at busy times, sites may have to close temporarily throughout the day if demand becomes too high, to enable safe operations and allow traffic to disperse from the highway.

Speaking about this week's re-opening of the tips, Cllr Jason Smithers, cabinet member for Highways and Place, said: “I would like to thank residents from across the county who followed our advice when attending Household Waste Recycling Centres.

“Although HWRCs were busy, particularly at opening time, the sites coped well with demand and we appreciate residents patience whilst queueing.

“We expect the sites to continue to be busy over the coming weeks and ask for your continued cooperation, particularly by pre-sorting waste in advance of coming to site.

“By working together the council can continue to operate a service which is helping residents to dispose of waste that cannot safely be stored at home.”

The Kettering site in Garrard Way on the Telford Way Industrial Estate will be open 10am to 6pm Wed/Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun.

The Rushden site in Northampton Road will be open from 10am to 6pm Wed/Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun.

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