Following a period of limited service in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, from Monday 01 June, 10 of Surrey’s community recycling centres will begin accepting a wider range of materials. Restrictions will be in place to make sure that each facility can operate in line with Public Health England guidelines to protect the safety of staff and residents.

The number of people allowed on site at one time will be limited and there will be revised opening hours and changes to what materials are accepted. Residents should only use the community recycling centres if they absolutely need to and must check the Surrey County Council website for the latest information before they travel, as these arrangements are subject to change.

Due to the limited numbers of people who can safely be on site and the impact of potential queuing on surrounding roads, the smaller sites in Bagshot, Caterham, Cranleigh, Dorking and Warlingham will remain closed.

What you can bring

You can bring most household waste to our community recycling centres.

For a full list of what you can and cannot bring to the recycling centres, as well as a handy search tool, visit Surrey County Council’s website.

There are certain items that we are unable to accept, including:

• Textiles
• Chargeable waste (soil, rubble, plasterboard or tyres)
• Furniture or items for reuse (while shops remain closed due to COVID-19)
• Clinical waste
• Liquid waste
• Chemical waste
• Most types of hazardous waste

If you are not sure, please contact the site in advance to see whether your waste can be accepted under its site permit.

Visiting our community recycling centres – COVID-19 safety measures

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic there are new social distancing procedures in place to ensure the safety of our staff and customers. Please check the Surrey County Council webpage for the latest information on materials we can accept and opening hours before you travel to the CRC.

Vans, trailers and pick-ups are restricted to visiting our larger sites and must have a valid van permit to enter the site. No vans, pick-ups or trailers will be allowed access onto the Farnham community recycling centre. For more information about the permit, how to renew and to make payment, please visit the Surrey County Council website.

As a result of the social distancing measures, the number of people allowed on the site at any one time will be limited. It’s expected that only a quarter of cars will be able to pass through the sites, compared to the typical peak time visitor levels at this time of year. Therefore, long queues are expected, and people should only visit the community recycling centre if it is essential.

We ask that you bear with us whilst operation of this restricted service gets underway and please treat site staff with respect and consideration during this challenging period.

Staying safe on site

For the safety of our staff and customers and to continue protecting the NHS, please help us maintain social distancing on site by following these site rules:

• Only visit the community recycling centre if it is essential.
• Do not leave your vehicle when queuing. Respect the environment and turn your engine off when the line is not moving.
• Only use the parking bays and bins indicated.
• Always maintain 2m distance from site staff and other customers.
• Site staff cannot help you with your waste.

Please be aware of potential hazards on site and when moving your waste. You can help keep yourself and others safe by following these guidelines:

• Drive slowly and carefully – be aware of vehicles maneuvering and other people on site.
• Don’t overload containers you’re carrying.
• Protect your back by bending your knees when you lift heavy items.
• Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes in case you drop something.
• Wear gloves to avoid cuts and scratches.
• Beware of slip and trip hazards.
• Don’t climb on any barriers.
• Report any accidents or potential hazards.