HOUSEHOLD waste recycling centres (HWRCs) in Hampshire have been closed due the Coronavirus outbreak.

Hampshire County Council has issued advice to help residents. Councillor Rob Humby, the council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and environment, said: “Household waste recycling centres across the country are temporarily closing to the general public. “The government’s advice is very clear on staying at home to reduce the risk of spreading Coronavirus, and we know that we should only be leaving our homes for a very limited number of reasons and not make any journeys which aren’t essential. Travelling to an HWRC is not an essential journey, which is why we took the decision earlier this week to close them until further notice.”

  • For larger recyclable items such as cardboard boxes, wood and metalthat you would normally have taken to the HWRC try to minimise this waste in the first place and where this is not possible store them in a secure place to avoid any risk of them catching fire.
  • Continue to use recycling bins as normal.
  • Try to avoid generating DIY or bulky waste unless you are able to store it safely at home until it is possible to donate for reuse or dispose of. The collection and disposal of ‘black bag’ and mixed recyclable waste from the kerbside are being prioritised at this time. Do not place bulky waste in your ‘black bag’ waste.
  • Try to reduce the amount of garden waste produced where possible. However, if you have to do work in the garden, consider leaving grass cuttings on your lawn as you mow. This helps the soil retain water and return the required nutrients back to your lawn as they decompose. Dry grass cuttings can be used as a mulch for beds and vegetable patches. Apply a thin layer to reduce weeds and pests.
  • Do not put lawn cuttings or hedge clippings in your ordinary waste collection bags.
  • If you have symptoms of coronavirus illness items such as used tissues and disposable cleaning cloths should be placed in disposable rubbish bags. These should then be placed into another bag, tied securely and kept separate from other waste. Put this bag aside for at least 72 hours, and then place in your household waste bin for kerbside collection.