Harborough's tip is set to reopen is month - here's what you need to know

The busy recycling and household waste site in Market Harborough is to be reopened on Monday May 18.

The complex on Harborough’s Riverside industrial estate was shut in March as the Covid-19 lockdown was imposed.

But under new Government guidelines sites can re-open for waste that can’t be stored safely at home.

Leicestershire County Council said it will open the gates on Monday May 18 – at seven sites over seven days a week.

As well as in Market Harborough, other centres are opening at Barwell, Lount, Melton Mowbray, Mountsorrel, Oadby and Whetstone.

The seven county sites will be open to county residents only.

The county council is also looking to introduce a booking system for their sites.

People are being asked to only go to the sites if stored waste is becoming unsafe at home and at risk of causing injury, illness or harm.

Social distancing will be in operation as well as new traffic management.

There will be restrictions on the type of items which people will be able to bring to county locations - so some waste types will still have to wait.

Cllr Trevor Pendleton, the county council’s cabinet member for waste disposal, said: “People are asked to only bring what they cannot safely store at home for the time being or cannot wait for their kerbside collection services, many of which are being reinstated.

“At the sites, we’ll be accepting general waste items that cannot be recycled, and would have to go to landfill, as well as garden waste, wood and hardcore.”

He added: “We’re also encouraging people to think differently about how they deal with their waste.

“For example, if people are having a clear-out, bear in mind that charity shops will need our support when they re-open so holding on to things to donate would really help.

“If people have green waste, we’re asking them to think about investing in a compost bin or starting a compost heap in the garden.”

Stay bang up to date with all the latest plans for county waste sites at: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/waste