Community Recycling Centres to Reopen But There Are Some Restrictions

Published on: 6 May, 2020
Updated on: 8 May, 2020

Guildford’s Recycling Centre in Slyfield

Most of Surrey’s community recycling centres (CRCs) will have a phased reopening from Monday, May 11, including the one at Slyfield.

But there are limits to the numbers of people on each site, changes to what materials are accepted and revised opening hours. Residents should use the CRCs only if they absolutely need to, and must check for the latest information before they travel at surreycc.gov.uk/recycling or by calling 03456 009 009 because these arrangements are subject to change.

To maintain social distancing, a smaller number of visitors can visit a CRC. Only one person can leave each car.
During the first phase, only black bag waste and garden waste are allowed. No other waste can be accepted at this time, and the reuse shops are staying closed.
Visitors must park in alternate bays with dedicated access to containers. Social distancing is essential to operate the sites safely and protect residents and staff. It will also help residents to quickly dispose of their waste.
Opening hours have been extended to help as many people as possible to pass through each day. Queues are still expected outside the sites so please be patient.
Residents can bring waste only in cars. No vans, pick-ups or trailers will be allowed. Do not arrive on foot.
Staff cannot help with unpacking cars. If one person isn’t able to carry the waste it should be left at home.
Guildford and Leatherhead CRCs share a site with waste transfer stations, where residential collection trucks drop off their waste. There may be delays accessing the site so crews can deposit the larger amounts of waste they’re collecting. Please follow instructions from traffic marshals to keep access roads clear.

Smaller CRCs

Due to the fewer numbers of people who can safely be on site and the impact of potential queuing on surrounding roads, our smaller sites in Bagshot, Caterham, Cranleigh, Dorking and Warlingham are staying closed. We cannot operate these sites safely and ensure social distancing between visitors and staff.

Returning to a full service

Residents are asked to hold on to other materials they need to take to CRCs, such as card, wood, metal, electricals and construction waste. The intention is to move to a second reopening phase after a few weeks when the full range of materials can be accepted, but only when it is safe to do. We will continue to allow only reduced numbers on sites to maintain social distancing.

Cllr Mike Goodman

Mike Goodman, SCC cabinet member for Environment and Waste, said: “I would like to thank all the waste staff in Surrey for working so hard to maintain residential collections. The dedication of these key workers to keeping this service running across the county during the lockdown has been exceptional.

“I’m also grateful for the patience of our residents during the closure of the CRCs, and for holding on to their waste to prevent the collections from being overwhelmed.

“Balancing the competing need to maintain social distancing alongside reopening our recycling centres is vital. I believe these arrangements will help visitors and staff stay far enough apart.

“Residents should visit the CRCs only if they really need to, and make the most of residential waste, recycling and garden waste collection services. We will keep these measures under review, but expect them to remain in place for a few weeks while residents clear their backlog.”

Phase one opening times
Chertsey, Earlswood, Epsom, Guildford, Leatherhead, Shepperton, Witley and Woking CRCs: opening hours: 9am-6pm, seven days a week.

Camberley and Farnham CRCs: opening hours: 9am-4pm, seven days a week.
Bagshot, Caterham, Cranleigh, Dorking and Warlingham CRCs: remain closed