Two recycling centres are closing, while waste collections are continuing to be held.

Southend's two household waste recycling centres were closed yesterday as the council continues to adapt its services in light of the everchanging coronavirus outbreak.

Whilst recycling and waste collections will continue on the usual collection days, the council and its recycling and waste partner Veolia have agreed to close the two sites indefinitely following on from the Prime Minister’s announcement regarding staying at home.

Anyone planning to visit either the Stock Road or the Leigh Marshes HWRCs should ensure that any items that they had planned to take with them are stored responsibly at home until the sites are open again, and not simply left with the kerbside collections. Bulky waste collections can still be booked online.

Kerbside garden waste collections are also currently still available to residents who have signed up to the service. However, please be aware that due to the ever-changing situation, services may be reviewed as the situation develops. 

Carole Mulroney, cabinet member for environment and planning, said: “As the country continues to adapt to the coronavirus outbreak, it is important here in Southend we do all we can to protect our residents. Following the Prime Minister’s announcement about staying at home, we have taken the decision to close our HWRCs as of today to ensure we adhere to the social distancing measures put in place by the Government, and to ensure we protect our residents, and also council and Veolia staff.

“I would urge all residents to act responsibly and to not leave bulky waste, or items planned to be taken to the HWRC, with your kerbside collections. Bulky waste items can still be collected by booking a collection online. We must ensure we work together as a town so that we can continue to provide key services to the most vulnerable residents.”