Restrictions to be relaxed at Knowle Hill Recycling Centre

Vehicle restrictions at Knowle Hill Recycling Centre near Exmouth, including bicycles and some vehicles with trailers, are being relaxed this week.

The changes are part of the phased reopening of Devon's 19 Household Waste Recycling Centres.

From today (Tuesday June 2) visitors driving van-based people carriers with seats in the back, and cyclists – including those with cycle-towed trailers – will be able to use all of Devon's recycling centres.

And from Wednesday (June 3) cars with trailers will also be permitted – except for at the Sidmouth, Totnes and South Molton sites.

These three sites have limited capacity to accommodate trailers and they would cause congestion.

Additionally, from Wednesday, all pick-ups – except those with towing trailers – will be permitted.

Vans and commercial vehicles currently remain excluded from all the sites – this will be reviewed.

To protect the public and staff a series of health protection measures will continue to be in force, including a one-in one-out policy and two-metre social distancing guidelines.

These measures mean for the time being site staff will not be able to assist with unloading waste and is likely to cause delays and queues.

If queues become too long people will be asked to return later.

In addition, residents displaying coronavirus symptoms, are asked not to visit the recycling centres and payments on site must be by credit/debit card only.

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council's Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Development and Waste, said: "We have been reviewing demand at each of our sites every week and as promised, we have been gradually easing restrictions where possible.

"Our priority is to ensure that our recycling centres are safe and do not become congested. I thank you for your patience."