Please don’t rush back to Potters!

The Potters recycling centre reopens in town tomorrow (Wednesday), but residents are urged to use common sense and not to rush back for opening time and avoid the long queues witnessed when Newtown's reopened this morning (pictured by Phil Blagg).

New safety regulations will be in place when the facility opens for the first time in two months, and there is no doubt that plenty of householders are thinking of heading down first thing.

But the guidelines are in place to avoid the spread of Covid-19 with only “essential use” urged by Powys County Council, who added that they have been "encouraged by reports from other local authorities who have already opened and where residents have been sensible and used common sense, the process has been manageable".

“The essential use of the HWRCs is for residents who have accumulated waste which cannot be collected through the normal kerbside collection service and which cannot be stored safely at home until the lockdown restrictions are eased,” said a spokesperson.

“Non-essential use puts yourself, other members of the public and our staff at risk from spreading the virus.”

The following changes and restrictions will apply: 

·      If you, or anyone in your household has coronavirus symptoms, you should follow government and NHS guidelines, self-Isolate and stay at home! Do not visit the HWRC. Any personal waste, such as tissues or wipes, should be double bagged and left for 72 hours before being put out for collection in our wheeled bin or purple sacks.

·      You may be asked to provide proof of your address before entering the site – please have this with you and show it to a member of staff when asked.

·      Only cars will be allowed into the HWRCs. Initially, no trade permits, or commercial vehicles or trailers permits will be allowed. This also helps to assist with managing demand, enforcing social distancing rules and controlling traffic levels. This will be continually under review and changed when appropriate.

·      A limited number of cars will be allowed onsite at any time – this will cause delays, please be prepared to queue patiently in your car. If there are too many people waiting to enter, you may be asked to return at a quieter time to avoid causing disruption to the highway and local communities.

·      Strict social distancing rules will be in place at all times. If these are breached, or you are abusive to staff, you will be asked to leave, and the police may be called.

·      Where possible, there should only be one person per vehicle. Only one person is allowed to leave the vehicle to unload - this means that you can only take things that can be carried by one person. Staff on site cannot help unload or carry items under any circumstances.

·      There will be a strict 10-minute time limit per car when on site – please segregate waste before arriving to help keep your visit short.