Recycling centres across the county are set to reopen next week.

Essex County Council say 15 centres will be open to the public from Monday, May 18, including both sites in Braintree and Witham.

Social distancing measures will be in place and new restrictions enforced at all centres.

This includes limiting the number of cars at any one time by using a ‘one in, one out’ system.

Bosses are warning the public to expect long delays.

Despite reopening the recycling centres, County Hall is also urging residents only to use them if “absolutely necessary”.

A spokesman added: “Only waste or recycling which cannot be stored at home without causing a health or safety risk will be accepted.

“If you can hold onto your waste, please do so until the sites are fully operational. Alternatively, check out our hints and tips on how to your reduce household waste.

“Do not visit a recycling centre if you are shielding, self-isolating or showing any symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19).”

Recycling centres were closed by the county council when the UK was put into lockdown in March to slow the spread of coronavirus.

Bosses say the safest way to get rid of waste and recycling is by continuing to use kerbside collections run by Braintree Council.

Multiple visits to recycling centres and carrying waste in on foot are no longer permitted.

Residents are also asked not to queue outside the centres before they open.

Here is the full list of centres set to open on Monday:

• Braintree Recycling Centre

• Brentwood Recycling Centre

• Canvey Recycling Centre

• Chelmsford Recycling Centre

• Chigwell Recycling Centre

• Clacton Recycling Centre

• Colchester Recycling Centre

• Harlow Recycling Centre

• Maldon Recycling Centre

• Mountnessing Recycling Centre

• Pitsea Recycling Centre

• Rayleigh Recycling Centre

• Saffron Walden Recycling Centre

• South Woodham Ferrers Recycling Centre

• Witham Recycling Centre