Southampton City Council working with partners to safely reopen HWRC

Millbrook Household Waste & Recycling Centre aims to reopen 11 May 2020

Southampton City Council is working with partner organisations to safely reopen the Millbrook Household & Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) in the week commencing 11 May.

This date is subject to further guidance expected from the government next week on travel to an HWRC during the COVID-19 outbreak. The HWRC was temporarily closed at the end of March following the government’s announcement that people should stay at home to protect the NHS and prevent the spread of Coronavirus, and only travel for very limited and specific reasons.

Southampton's HWRC is operated as part of a contract involving Hampshire and Portsmouth councils. All three areas are working on plans together, along with Veolia, the company that operates the sites.

Cabinet Member for Transport & Place, Councillor Jacqui Rayment said: "The potential re-opening of the Household Waste and Recycling centre in Millbrook will offer residents the chance to safely dispose of waste that may have been stockpiled over the last six weeks, given the lockdown restrictions that have been in place.

"To ensure a safe operating environment is provided, a reduced service will be offered. Opening hours will be restricted and the number of vehicles that can access the site will be limited.

"We’re asking residents to only visit the site if absolutely necessary and thank visitors in advance for their patience when following the government’s strict social distancing guidelines that will be in place."

More information on how the HWRC will operate when it reopens will be available when it is confirmed. Visit www.southampton.gov.uk/coronavirus for the latest information on all council services.