ALL of Devon’s household recycling centres have been closed until further notice as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, writes Daniel Clark, local democracy reporter.

Devon County Council announced on Tuesday morning that in line with the latest Government guidance, all 19 of the recycling centres would be closed to the public, with the same taking place in Torbay.

Across Devon, the majority of kerbside recycling and waste collections will still be taking place, although some changes to the services have been made and collections will be dependent on staffing numbers.

Here is the latest on recycling collections from across Devon.

TORRIDGE

The majority of service in Torridge has so far not been affected by the Coronavirus crisis apart from the closure of DCC Recycling Centres and the suspension of Bulky items collections.

A spokesman added: “However in some instances there may be some crew swaps to cover sickness or absence and so some collection rounds may get to certain areas later than they would normally. We would ask our customers to be patient during this period and not report any suspected missed collections until the following day.

“As the coronavirus situation develops we may need to change our approach and prioritise some service areas such as refuse collection over kerbside recycling if we experience high levels of staff absence or other disruption. We haven’t yet reached that stage and our crews are working hard to ensure that the normal levels of service are maintained.

“Should we need to make any changes to our services we will share information on the Torridge District Council website and social media as soon as any updates are available. Please check the website and Torridge District Council social media pages regularly for any updates.”

NORTH DEVON

Waste and recycling services are running as normal at present but school closures and illness among crews may lead to our staffing being reduced. Please be patient if your bins and/or recycling is not collected on the usual day and keep an eye on the council website for further updates or to log a missed collection

WEST DEVON

No announcement made to suggest anything other than waste and recycling services are running as normal.

DEVON

All of Devon’s recycling centres are now closed until further notice following government guidelines during the Coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19).

Cllr Andrea Davis, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Development, Infrastructure and Waste said: “Following the Prime Minister’s announcement being put in place we have had to close all our recycling centres.

“I apologise for the inconvenience this may cause but the regular kerbside waste and recycling collections provided by your local district, city or borough council will continue during this difficult time and I would suggest you check their websites for any changes.”

During this time if you have waste you can:

Use existing kerbside collection services for recycling any materials that can be accepted in that collection

Home compost

Leave grass cuttings on the lawn where they will mulch down to provide nutrients

Hire a skip/Hippo bag or similar

Avoid projects that generate waste (eg postpone clearing out your garage/shed or doing your garden make-over)

Store your waste at home until the restrictions are lifted

GUIDANCE FOR PEOPLE WITH CONFIRMED OR POSSIBLE COVID 19: HOW TO DISPOSE OF WASTE

KEEP YOUR WASTE INSIDE FOR AT LEAST 72 HOURS AND DOUBLE BAG THE WASTE.

Store personal waste (like used tissues) and disposable cleaning cloths securely in rubbish bags.

Place these bags within a second bag, tie it securely and store it in a separate room from where you are self-isolating.

Keep the bags there for AT LEAST 72 HOURS before putting them out after 6pm on the night before your usual collection day.

Recycling and garden waste can be placed in your usual bins.

Please keep recycling if you can, but please keep your recycling for at least 72 hours after your self isolating period.