About this time of year Ipswich’s two recycling and refuse centres would normally be bracing for an Easter rubbish spike, but this year they’re urging residents to hold off until Spring to do a big clean out.
Ipswich City Council’s Resource Recovery Manager Mark Sines said public holidays bring a surge of visitors to the Riverview and Rosewood centres, with the four-day Easter long weekend often seeing twice as much waste through the gates as normal.
“School holidays in general are also busier,” Mr Sines said.
“When people have time at home they tend to take that opportunity to clean up the house and get rid of unwanted items.
“We have already seen this happening now at other councils.”
However given the current coronavirus pandemic, Mr Sines said people should reconsider their need to visit the centres this Easter.
“Residents should avoid or reduce visits to comply with the latest COVID-19 advice from the state and federal governments,” he said.
“We’ve had to close half of the existing unloading bays to ensure we maintain social distancing recommendations, so we are expecting average waiting times just to enter the centres to be at least 20 to 30 minutes, with even longer delays depending on the surge of residents trying to utilise the facilities.
“Now is not the time to do a household clean out and then take a trip to the city’s refuse and recycling centres.
“You can make a big difference by simply waiting until Spring to do a big clean.
“Please stay at home, practice social distancing and help us reduce the spread of this virus.”
The Riverview and Rosewood recycling and refuse centres will be closed on Good Friday (10 April) but will otherwise be open as normal between 8am and 5pm daily.
To protect the health and safety of customers and staff, both centres are now only accepting EFTPOS card payments. This is to help prevent the spread of the virus through banknotes and coins.
For more information about the centres including what waste they accept, recycling facilities and conditions of entry, visit the website.