Suffolk is set to continue on its path of working towards full capacity at recycling centres as Monday 19 July brings the end to lockdown with restrictions easing.

Much like many other recycling centres across the country, Suffolk's Recycling Centres, including Felixstowe's Carr Road, have been operating a socially distanced system during the pandemic.

From 19 July, there will be some changes to the rules when visiting the county's recycling centres, but you will still need to book, pending a full review of arrangements.

The changes will take place in two phases to enable a managed increase in the number of bookings and to ensure that sites are operating safely and effectively.

Phase one: From Monday 19 July:

· The one visit per week rule will remain in place, but an extra 3,760 slots will become available per week.

· Cars with small trailers will now be able to book a 15 min car slot (750kg max gross weight, single axle and unbraked) and will also be allowed at Haverhill Recycling Centre.

· Cars with large trailers will now book a 30 min large trailer/van slot (over 750kg max gross weight, double axle or braked), apart from at Haverhill Recycling Centre due to its size.

· Vans without trailers will be able to book at all Recycling Centres (including Haverhill). Vans must book a 30 min van slot.

· Vans with trailers are still prohibited from using any of the recycling centres

· Social distancing will be removed from all sites. Cars can park next to each other (as directed by site staff) and restrictions on number of people on walkway/gantry removed.

· Staff will be able to assist visitors if requested. (All staff will wear FFP3 standard face coverings when assisting and follow good practice on Covid hygiene).

· More than one adult will now be allowed to unload per vehicle

· Guidance will remain for the public to continue wearing face coverings if possible. Face coverings for staff remain optional except when assisting the public.

Phase two: From Monday 16 August: (In addition to changes in phase 1)

· An additional 4,500 slots will be made available per week, taking Suffolk's Recycling Centres to full capacity (weekly total to 27,422)

· Removal of one visit per week rule for household waste

· Trade waste will remain restricted to one visit per week (to ensure fair usage of the system which is mainly designed for residents' household waste)

A customer survey from March 2021 revealed 91% of booking system users were satisfied or very satisfied (with a further 4% being neutral) and 92% of customers had a problem-free experience when using the booking system.

Cllr Richard Smith , cabinet member for waste, said: "I am really pleased that from 19 July we are able to start increasing capacity at our recycling centres by reducing some of the restrictions we had in place so we can soon be back to full capacity. We are doing this in two phases to ensure that our sites are operating safely and smoothly.

"In response to overwhelming customer satisfaction, the booking system will remain in place for the moment at all of Suffolk's Recycling Centres. We have received many compliments about the staff on our sites and I would like to thank them for their hard work and dedication for what has been a difficult year."

Recycling Centre bookings can be made online via recycling centre website or by calling 0345 606 6067