A SOUTHAMPTON recycling centre is set to reopen this month and some waste collection services will also be reinstated.

Civic chiefs have confirmed that the rubbish tip in Millbrook is set to reopen the week commencing 11 May.

But they warned there will be a reduced service.

City bosses also confirmed that kerbside glass collection will recommence on May 4 while the online payment and booking system for the the city’s bulky waste collection service will also be re-enabled from May 4 with collections starting again on May 11. 

The news comes as in March recycling centres were shut and some waste collection services  were put on hold in a bid to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Now Southampton City Council said it is working with Hampshire County Council for the reopening of the recycling centre in Millbrook. But said that the exact date is subject to further guidance expected from the government next week on travel to recycling centres during the pandemic. However, city bosses have confirmed that new safety measures will be in place once the waste facility will reopen. Cllr Jacqui Rayment, cabinet member for place and transport at the city council, said: “To ensure a safe operating environment is provided, a reduced service will be offered. Opening hours will be restricted and the number of vehicles that can access the site will be limited.”

Residents have also been asked to only visit the site “if absolutely necessary”. The council asked residents who have stored a large amount of glass items not to overload bins or crates and to stagger the collection of their backlog over a few collection dates.

“It is possible to dispose of glass jars and bottles at one of the city’s many glass recycling banks, but only as part of an essential journey.”