Hundreds of cars queue as waste centre reopens
THERE WAS A TWO-HOUR WAIT BY LUNCHTIME ON THE FIRST DAY
MORE than 100 vehicles were spotted queuing outside Ealing’s recycling centre in Greenford on its first day of reopening.
Cars started queuing outside the tip on Greenford Road before it opened at 8am on Monday (May 18), and by lunchtime there was more than a two-hour waiting time.
It was the first time the recycling centre had opened since it closed at the end of March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Long queues were also spotted at the Acton waste centre, on Stirling Road, which also reopened on Monday.
A spokesperson for Harrow Council said at just before 2pm: “There’s currently a waiting time of more than two hours for the Greenford waste centre.
“You’re strongly advised not to travel there today as you are unlikely to get in. If you can, store your waste securely at home and visit the centre at a quieter time.”
In a separate statement at 2.10pm the council added: “The waiting time in the queue at the Acton waste centre is currently 90 mins – don’t travel there today as you may not get in before it closes.
“Store waste securely at home and only travel to the waste centre if it is essential to do so.”
Before the sites in Greenford and Acton reopened, the council warned residents only to visit the tips if it is essential.
Social distancing measures are in place to stop the spread of coronavirus, and there is no pedestrian access.
Both sites are open from 8am to 4pm every day, but users are told not to arrive at the centres after 3.30pm.
The Acton site is for residential waste only.
Councillor Mik Sabiers, the council’s environment lead, said: “We would like to thank residents for their continued support during these difficult times.
“We continue to ask for their support as the lockdown starts to ease and the Greenford and Acton depots reopen. Please only make a visit if it is absolutely necessary.
“Staff will be on hand to give direction on how the site will be operating, and to limit cars entering. We would appreciate patience from anyone needing to visit.”
To reduce the risk of spreading the disease at the sites, the number of cars and time allowed for visits is being limited.
Users are asked to separate out recycling materials before arriving at the tip to save time, and only one adult is allowed to leave each car when on site.
No help is being given for handling heavy items, and those who cannot lift rubbish are asked to contact the council’s bulky waste collection service which is still operating.