Kent's recycling centres are set to reopen on Friday, but strict measures are being put in place to minimise the risk of visitors and staff spreading Covid-19.

Last week Kent County Council revealed that all 18 centres will reopen across the county, less than two months after they closed as a result of coronavirus lockdown.

The sites will be open between 9am and 3pm, but users will have to negotiate a new system, booking slots either online or by phone from next Wednesday.

Available slots 9am to 10.30am, 10.45am to 12pm, 12.15pm to 1pm, and 1.45pm to 3pm, and details on how to book online will be released tomorrow, although those who cannot access the internet can call 03000 417373 (Text Relay 18001 03000 41 73 73).

The slot system allows the number of users on site to be regulated, and the number of bookings will vary between sites, depending on their size.

Users can only book one trip in any four-week period, and bookings will only be accepted from residents in Kent/Medway.

You should not try to book a visit if you have symptoms of Covid-19, if you are part of a household undertaking 14-day isolation or if you someone who is in the shielded category.

When visiting a site, users must bring their proof of booking email, either printed or displayed on a phone, or their booking reference number if the slot was booked over the phone.

To reduce infection risk car windows should remain closed when showing proof to staff.

If you miss your slot, you may not be allowed to use the site, and Kent County Council (KCC) suggests users stagger entry times within the booked slot, as they are expecting a high demand.

Anyone wanting to drive a restricted vehicle to a Kent council site will still need to apply for a vehicle voucher, and restricted vehicles are not allowed to tow a trailer.

Once on site a raft of new rules will also be in place.

• Users will need to observe the social distancing measures when visiting the sites.
• Site staff will not be able to help unload and dispose of waste.
• A maximum of two people can leave each vehicle to dispose of bulky items without site staff help
• If you do not have bulky items, only one person can leave the vehicle.
• Traffic management will be in place at all sites.
• Some sites may block off every other parking bay to enforce social distancing.
• You will not be allowed onto the compactor platforms when a member of staff is operating machines.
• You will need to follow site guidance, which may include wearing gloves and masks.
• If you wear either gloves or masks, you’ll need to take them home for disposal to avoid the risk of cross contamination.

KCC asks that visitors to its sites are patient while the new measures are implemented and warns those breaking site rules may be asked to leave.

Security will be in place at the centres, including Automatic Number Plate Recognition, CCTV and body-worn cameras; and sites may need to close temporarily for cleaning with no warning.

The council also states that waste contaminated with coronavirus should be disposed of at kerbside, but if this is not possible the material should be double-bagged and stored securely for 72-hours before being brought to a site.

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