Calls to re open recycling centres as fly-tipping surges

Following a surge in fly-tipping across the county former MP and Leader of the Opposition on Staffordshire County Council, Charlotte Atkins is calling for the county council to urgently re-open recycling centres while observing Social Distancing measures. County council cabinet member Mark Deaville says that travelling to a recycling centre doesn’t fit into the essential journey category’s that is being enforced under the current lockdown measures

County Councillor Charlotte Atkins who represents Leek South said: ‘It is perfectly possible for tips to be opened and for social distancing to be observed. People queue to get into supermarkets so why not in their cars at recycling centres? ‘Some councils have already reopened their tips as disposing of excess waste has now become vital for many families who are generating far more while stuck at home trying to keep their children occupied and safe. I am sure our ingenious Staffordshire County staff could find a way to reopen the sites safely for limited periods with access controlled. Otherwise we are going to be overwhelmed by more flytipping.’

Mark Deaville, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for commercial, said: “Government guidance has been clear that people should only leave their homes for essential travel, such as for exercise, food shopping, or work, and visiting a recycling centre does not fall into that category. “Since the Government announcement to stay at home, closure has protected workers at the recycling centres and the public using them and reduced the pressure on the NHS. It’s also allowed those workers to support essential services elsewhere in the authority.

“We are monitoring the situation and are keeping in touch with the Government and neighbouring local authorities. “When the time is right it is very likely that we will reopen the sites with social distancing rules in place and we will publicise all those arrangements beforehand.”