Sheffield household waste recycling centres to stay open seven days a week

Council bosses said that in normal years, most sites would close for a day or two a week and see the opening hours limited to 10-4 during the winter months.

However, they have today announced that this year all sites will remain open seven days a week, and will stay open until 5pm.

This will continue until at least November and will be reviewed every two weeks.

Labour Councillor Mark Jones, cabinet member for environment, streetscene and climate change said the decision to keep the city’s recycling centres open during the pandemic had helped reduce waste accumulation across the city.

He said: “In normal times, the majority of recycling centres would not be open every day of the week, but we have taken the decision to keep them open – all week – and keep them open for longer than they normally would be.

"Things remain just as difficult for the city as it was in the summer months, and this is why we have taken this decision.

“There will be costs associated, however we will continue to monitor demand and review operations. We do not spend public money lightly, but keeping the public highways safe whilst ensuring that Sheffield’s residents can dispose of waste safely and responsibly is of crucial.

"We will continue to be proactive and flexible in our response to waste management during the Covid pandemic.”

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a digital or print subscription to The Star. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Subscribe here www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.