Most of Wiltshire’s 10 recycling centres are set to reopen for ‘essential waste’ only from next week.

From Monday, May 18, most of the county’s recycling centres will be open with new measures put in place to protect both residents and staff.

Due to limits on the number of vehicles on the site, Stanton St Quintin household recycling centre (HRC) will remain closed until further notice.

All other HRCs will have different opening times than usual and the council advised residents to check these before they travel.

Cllr Bridget Wayman, Cabinet Member for Waste, said: "The majority of our household recycling centres will reopen from Monday, May 18 for essential journeys only, but people should be aware that there are a significant number of restrictions in place to protect our staff and residents.

"These restrictions include limiting the number of people and cars that can be on any site at one time, and additional measures to help manage traffic near to the sites.

“Despite this, people should expect long delays and queues. If people can safely store their waste or recycling at home then we would ask that they continue to do so.

"Anyone with Covid-19 symptoms or who has been asked by the government to stay at home for shielding purposes will not be able to visit a household recycling centre.

"We recognise that the closure of household recycling centres may be frustrating for some of our residents, but the safety of our staff and visitors to the sites is paramount, and I would like to thank the staff on these sites and would ask that people are respectful to our staff at all times."

The council said that journeys must only be undertaken if waste or recycling cannot be stored at home or disposed of safely by other means.

They added that no other reason for the journey will be considered legitimate.

A council spokesman said: “Residents are able to leave additional recycling at the kerbside provide it is separated properly and placed in sturdy containers.”

Those using the sites must keep to social distancing, with visits being restricted to one person per car with no entry for trailers or vans over 3.5 tonnes.

The number of parking spaces on the sites will also be reduced.

Likewise, there will be restrictions put in place on the types of waste HRCs can accept. For example, soil, rubble, plasterboard, textile or asbestos will not be accepted.

Visitors must also wear gloves at all times and staff will not be able to help unload waste under any circumstances.

Full details on the opening hours of HRCs will be available later this week.