Tips to remain shut due to demand

The temporary closures at four recycling and household waste sites in Leicestershire have been extended until further notice.

National pressures impacting waste sites across the country are continuing to affect Leicestershire.

The temporary closures at Bottesford, Lutterworth, Oadby and Shepshed are still in place as teams work to clear waste and empty containers that have filled up following exceptionally high demand in recent weeks.

Leicestershire County Council says there is widespread disruption at waste treatment facilities across the country - including three major incidents in the last 48 hours - which has increased pressure on the sites that remain operational. 

It said two treatment facilities that process waste collected from Leicestershire unable to accept further material from the county at the current time. 

Councillor Adam Tilbury, cabinet member for environment and waste, said:

"This is not an issue unique to Leicestershire. The waste sector is currently experiencing significant pressure across the country, with a combination of site closures, treatment capacity issues and recent fires affecting the whole system.

“Unfortunately, those challenges are now having a direct impact on the facilities that handle Leicestershire's waste, with two of the treatment sites we rely unable to take any more material because they are struggling to move waste on quickly enough.

“While we appreciate the inconvenience this temporary closure will cause residents, taking this action is necessary to ensure waste can continue to be managed safely and responsibly while we work with our contractors and partners to restore services as soon as possible."

Due to the current heatwave, all open recycling and household waste sites across the county will close early at 4pm on Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th August in the interests of safety during the very hot weather. 

Councillor Tilbury added:

"The very hot weather means we also need to take sensible steps to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone working at and visiting our sites. We appreciate residents' patience and understanding while these measures are in place."

To find out where is open and taking waste visit:  www.leicestershire.gov.uk/waste