West Northamptonshire’s waste recycling centers have faced temporary closures and long queues. All six centers were originally scheduled to open seven days a week starting in April to facilitate easier waste disposal. However, residents have reported various issues, including being turned away due to bins being full and encountering multiple closed sites.
West Northamptonshire Council explained that closures are necessary when queuing traffic poses a danger on nearby roads. These precautions are described as standard practice to maintain road safety and traffic flow. The new contract awarded to FCC Environment aims to extend operational hours to 42 hours per week, intending to distribute visitor numbers more evenly and reduce congestion during peak times.
Despite these measures, FCC Environment noted a substantial increase in the number of site visitors over the past month. This influx of visitors has led to dangerous traffic conditions, necessitating the temporary closure of four sites. In response to these challenges, additional resources are being utilized to manage increased waste and ensure safety.
Dan Cooke from the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management highlighted that recycling centers typically see higher traffic during school and bank holidays. He indicated that the new contract, combined with increased visitor numbers, created an unfortunate scenario.
In summary, waste recycling centers in West Northamptonshire have faced temporary closures and long queues due to high visitor numbers and safety concerns related to traffic. Authorities and FCC Environment are tackling the issue with increased resources and extended hours to enhance service and reduce congestion.
