The Lib Dems and I have called on Surrey County Council to reopen its Community Recycling Centres with social distancing measures to avoid fly tipping. 

This follows the latest advice from the Government that stated that Household Waste Recycling Centres can be open, but should have social distancing measures in place. My colleagues and I are concerned the closure of local tips has started to result in a spate of very unwelcome fly tipping.

Local authorities are focusing on household rubbish and food waste and regard the collection of garden waste and recycling as less of a priority.  This coupled with Community Recycling Centres being closed and people being at home, so having time for gardening and housework, has resulted in an increase in fly tipping. 

My Lib Dem colleagues and I have called on Surrey County Council to reopen our Community Recycling Centres in a limited and safe manner to enable gardeners to dispose of their plant material and also for householders, who may be using the time at home to catch up with domestic jobs, to safely dispose of waste.

The County Council has been listening to concerns so far and I hope for a partial reopening of our community tips in the near future.