Household waste centres in North Yorkshire to remain closed despite government go-ahead to reopen

North Yorkshire County Council has confirmed its 21 recycling sites will remain closed until further notice – as other councils reveal reopening plans with reduced opening hours and stricter health and safety rules.

The move for sites to reopen was confirmed today, Tuesday, in Parliament by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick.

He said: “The government published advice to councils on how to ensure the safety of refuse collections on 7th of April.

“And today I am announcing that I am asking councils to plan the organised reopening of household waste collection sites.

“I expect this to happen over the coming weeks and we will publish updated guidance shortly.”

As more people stay home, officials are said to be concerned at the amount of waste piling up.

Some councils in the region have reported a rise in fly tipping.

Ian Fielding, Waste Management Assistant Director at North Yorkshire County Council, said: “Our household waste recycling centres remain closed for public safety and to cut non-essential travel. If guidance on travel is changed then we will reconsider how and when to open sites.”

The council is urging residents to minimise their waste.

It said people should not start DIY or gardening projects if they do not have space to store rubbish until recycling centres reopen.

Mr Fielding added: “The choice to close was one we made together with almost every other council in England. We understand that our HWRCs are a popular and important service.

“We want to see them open and will do so as soon as we can.”

It comes as Boris Johnson said yesterday the country was moving into stage two of the virus.

Ministers are set to review the lockdown rules by May 7, and have stressed they could toughen some and relax others.

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