There will be a phased reopening of most of Surrey’s community recycling centres (CRC) from Monday 11th May.

However, there are limits to the numbers of people on each site, changes to what materials are accepted and revised opening hours. Residents should only use the CRCs if they absolutely need to, and should check for the latest information before travelling at surreycc.gov.uk/recycling or by calling 03456 009 009 as these arrangements are subject to change.

• To maintain social distancing, a reduced number of visitors will be able to visit a CRC at any time – residents should come alone as only one person will be permitted to leave each car

• During the first reopening phase, residents can only bring black bag waste and garden waste. No other waste can be accepted at this time

• Limiting the CRCs to two materials means visitors will be able to park in alternate parking bays with dedicated access to containers. This means that social distancing will be possible at all times, which is essential to operate the sites safely and protect residents and staff. It will also help residents to dispose of their waste quickly.

• Opening hours have been extended to help safely manage the demand. Queues are still expected outside the sites so please be patient.

• Residents can only bring their waste in cars – no vans, pick ups or trailers will be allowed into the CRCs, and please don’t arrive on foot.

• Staff cannot help with unpacking cars. If one person isn’t able to carry the waste it should be left at home. 

Mike Goodman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste, said: “I would like to thank all the waste staff in Surrey for working so hard to maintain residential collections. The dedication of these key workers to keeping this service running across the county during the lockdown has been exceptional.

“I’m also grateful for the patience of our residents during the closure of the CRCs, and for holding on to their waste to prevent the collections from being overwhelmed.

“Balancing the competing need to maintain social distancing alongside reopening our highly valued recycling centres is vital. I believe these arrangements will help visitors and staff stay far enough apart, while helping residents to clear their excess black bag and garden waste as quickly as possible.

Smaller CRCs

Due to being unable to operate these sites safely and ensure social distancing between visitors and staff, smaller sites in Bagshot, Caterham, Cranleigh, Dorking and Warlingham are staying closed. 

Returning to a full service

Residents should hold onto other materials they need to take to CRCs, such as wood, card, electricals and construction waste. The Council aim to move to a second reopening phase after a few weeks when the full range of materials can be accepted, but only when it is safe to do. 

Councillor Goodman added, “But I would still encourage residents to only visit the CRCs if they really need to, and make the most of residential waste, recycling and garden waste collection services. We will keep these measures under review, but expect them to remain in place for a few weeks while residents clear their backlog of waste.”

CRCs phase one opening times

• Chertsey, Earlswood, Epsom, Guildford, Leatherhead, Shepperton, Witley and Woking CRCs: opening hours: 9am-6pm, Monday to Sunday
• Camberley and Farnham CRCs: opening hours: 9am-4pm, Monday to Sunday
• Bagshot, Caterham, Cranleigh, Dorking and Warlingham CRCs remain closed for the time being.