Waste recycling centres across Kent should be re-opened with strict rules on social distancing, says one MP.

Natalie Elphicke, representative for Dover and Deal, says Kent County Council must 'be sensible about what we can and can’t reasonably do' amid the coronavirus pandemic.

With reports of a spike in bonfires and fly-tipping, she is leading the fight with Dover District Council leader Cllr Trevor Bartlett to see all 18 sites across the county reopened.

Kent County Council shut the sites on March 24 following a Government announcement on essential travel. The authority has since highlighted that before the closure, there were an average of 800 visitors a day - up 200 visits.

But new Government directive, published on April 7, states the sites can remain open providing the 2 metre social distancing rules can be maintained.

Mrs Elphicke said: “It’s right that we take all necessary steps to battle the virus and keep safe.

"But the government has been clear that there are good reasons to have access to proper waste disposal including at recycling centres, and that they can be managed within social distancing requirements.

“Our local sites at Dover and Deal already operate a very structured approach to entry, exit and disposing of waste.

“Meanwhile there are reports of big increases in fly-tipping, bonfires and general litter. A number of residents have contacted me about their concerns.

“As a community we may be in this for the long haul, so we need to be sensible about what we can and can’t reasonably do.

“That’s why I’m asking Kent County Council to start drawing up plans for re-opening the sites in line with the new Government guidance.”

Cllr Trevor Bartlett said: “At Dover District Council we have kept our rubbish collection and door-to-door services going regardless.

"But we are taking the brunt of extra refuse and recycling that usually goes into the recycling centres, particularly as people do more DIY and other home based activities. That’s putting additional pressure on our services.

“If the KCC sites can be re-opened safely, in line with latest government guidance, then they should be.”

Jamie Rose, district councillor for Alkham, Capel and Hougham, where incidents have been reported, said: “On an individual level this is unacceptable behaviour which should be investigated and punished wherever possible.

“But it is clearly linked to the closure of waste sites – and I’m yet to hear a good reason why it’s not possible to keep the sites open within social distancing rules.

“This should be looked at urgently, before things get even worse.”

'As a community we may be in this for the long haul, so we need to be sensible about what we can and can’t reasonably do'

But Kent County Council is standing by its decision, stating refuse sites are only of medium priority, while kerbside collections remain top priority.

KCC cabinet member for environment, Susan Carey, said: “The decision to close our Household Waste Recycling Centres was not taken lightly

“The DEFRA guidance is that Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs) are of medium priority and the top priority remains kerbside collections of household waste.

“Household Waste and Recycling Centre staff have been redeployed to assist district and borough councils with bin collections to ensure they can maintain a full kerbside waste and recycling collection.

“Government guidance to us all is that people should stay at home and only leave the house for one of four reasons - shopping, exercise, medical need and travelling to work.

“Unnecessary travel is being discouraged by government and HWRCs across the country remain closed based on that government guidance.

“Before the closure of the HWRCs there were an average of 800 visitors a day - up 200 visits - to each of our 18 HWRCs resulting in thousands of non-essential car journeys on our roads each day.

“It was impossible to maintain social distancing for both customers and staff and we also had long queues leading out onto the highway.

“We will re-open the Household Waste Recycling Centres as soon as it is safe to do so, as will all local authorities up and down the country.

“Our priority right now is to support the kerbside collections that allow Kent residents to stay at home.

“I am grateful to our district and borough council colleagues who have worked tirelessly to maintain kerbside collections despite the challenges of staff sickness and self-isolation.

“KCC staff are still at work at the Waste Transfer Stations which is where your household waste goes after being collected.

“I hope people will agree that this is the correct priority as any interruption to this service would have an immediate impact on public health.”

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