Torbay’s Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) in Paignton is to reopen next week but you will need to pre-book slots and it is only for items that cannot be disposed of safely through other legitimate means.

The Centre in Tor Park Road, which is run by contractors TOR2 on our behalf, is planned to reopen from Wednesday 20 May, but with a much reduced service that can only be used by booking on the phone first. Residents who turn up without pre-booking a slot will be turned away.

It’s the latest service to resume since the lockdown and follows the reopening of Torbay’s Bulky Waste service earlier this week. Household waste and recycling collections have continued throughout the shutdown as they are an essential service.

Social distancing will also need to be maintained at all times at the HWRC for both the safety of the operational staff and the residents who wish to make a visit.

Councillor Mike Morey Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Environment and Culture said: “Torbay Council are starting to open some additional waste services for residents. However, it is going to be on a considerably reduced basis. With this in mind, we would ask residents to only come to use the services if keeping stored waste causes a risk to injury, health or to the environment.

“Residents are urged only to visit the centre if the waste or recycling could not be stored safely at home or disposed of through other legitimate routes such as a dedicated collection.”

What will the new process be?

The Recycling Centre should only be used as a last resort though for items that cannot otherwise be safely disposed of, and for the time being residents will be encouraged where possible to use other waste and recycling services such as the Bulky Waste collection service, for items such as beds, sofas, fridges, freezers and garden waste.

What else do I need to do?

Please remember that visiting the HWRC during these times will be very different from what you are used to. As well as needing to book before you visit, please observe the following rules:

• No more than 2 people per car
• Stay two metres apart
• You will need to dispose of your own waste at the HWRC
• Please respect our staff and keep distance

Please check what items should be taken to the HWRC and which could be disposed of elsewhere (e.g. by booking a Bulky Waste collection).

What items can be booked for a Bulky Waste collection?

• bed bases
• mattresses
• wardrobes
• sofas
• chairs
• white goods e.g: fridges, freezers, washing machines,
• electrical goods
• garden waste

What items might you need to take to the recycling centre?

• Large domestic appliances (including cookers and microwaves)
• Small domestic appliances (including toasters, hairdryers, music players).
• Glass bottles and jars
• Steel and aluminium cans and foil
• Plastics
• Car batteries, engine oil, light bulbs
• DIY waste
• garden waste

For a full list of what can go to the HWRC visit the recycling centre page.