From 11am today, a new online booking system will open for people wanting to visit recycling centres across Kent and Medway.

After closing in March due to the coronavirus lockdown, all 18 sites in Kent along with two in Medway will reopen from Friday.

A reduced timetable and strict measures have been put in place to minimise the risk of visitors and staff spreading Covid-19.

Those wanting to dispose of emergency waste will now have to book a time slot by visiting the the new portal.

Four time slots are available each day between 9am and 3pm to allow social distancing.

Once bookings are complete, a reference number will be sent to you via email which you must take with you.

Each household will be restricted to just one trip each month to ensure everyone can use the site safely.

Kent County Council says the service is only for emergency waste that cannot be stored at home or disposed of safely by other means.

The two reopening in Medway are Capstone in Shawstead Road and Hoath Way in Gillingham.

Cllr Phil Filmer from Medway Council said: “We are pleased to be able to reopen two of our household waste and recycling centres for residents who have items which are presenting a risk, cannot be stored at home and they have no other ways of appropriately disposing of them.

"The online booking system has been put in place to enable the safe reopening of these sites and to help manage the anticipated high demand, as well as reduce any queues on arrival.

“You can only access a waste centre if you have booked an appointment, and customers are asked to read the advice on our website before making their trip to a waste centre - this includes taking gloves to wear on site and following social distancing guidelines.

“We are now working hard to finalise plans to safely reopen Cuxton’s waste centre and will continue to provide an excellent weekly household waste and recycling collection service to help keep Medway clean and tidy.”

Those unable to book online can call 03000 417373.

For more information, click here.

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