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Increasing numbers of people are visiting the sites which has led to queueing at busy times, council bosses say, and people ‘should only be taking waste to the recycling centres if absolutely necessary and the waste cannot be stored safely at home or disposed of through the regular kerbside services’.

Opening times will extend to 8am to 8pm from April 1, so people will have more time to dispose of their waste at the sites once lockdown eases, said Mick Allen, group manager at the council.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to local people who have worked with us during these challenging times and also to the staff who are working hard to keep the sites open and running,” he added.

Residents say Mansfield's recycling centre at the busy Kestral Park, off Hermitage Lane, is too small, in an unsuitable location and needs to be upgraded or replaced. Photo: Bill Taylor.

Chad highlighted claims by campaigners that Mansfield Recycling Centre, on Kestral Road, is ‘no longer fit for purpose’ and could be encouraging illegal fly-tipping.

Now the county council is reminding residents:

- Only visit if you absolutely have to dispose of waste, and then only use your nearest centre.

- Social distancing measures are still in place at their sites and you may have to queue. Please avoid queuing on main roads.

- Sort your waste in to different types before you arrive.

- Avoid busy periods if possible, such as weekends and between 10am and 4pm.

- Only one person should get out of each car so just take waste that you can comfortably carry by yourself. The sites cannot currently provide help to carry your waste except in emergency situations.

- Visitors are advised to wear a face covering at the centres if their health allows and should stay at home if they have coronavirus symptoms.

- Visitors are advised to sanitise their hands before arrival and as they leave.

- The sites only accept household waste from Nottinghamshire residents who have a permit and no commercial waste.

- Use your kerbside collection bins as much as possible – check your local district or borough council for more information.

Editor’s message: In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Ashley Booker, editor.

Explained - rules on using Mansfield and Ashfield recycling centres in lockdown

Editor’s message: In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Ashley Booker, editor.