More than a dozen recycling centres are set to reopen across Essex tomorrow as politicians seek to ease the lockdown restrictions.

Residents are urged to use the reopened sites, which will include Braintree and Witham, only if it absolutely necessary.

Restrictions will be put in place at all centres and the number of cars inside will be limited at all times to allow everyone to comply with social distancing rules.

The centres have been closed since March 23 to slow the spread of coronavirus.

Essex County Council says it will be introducing new rules at all reopened sites.

Here is everything you need to know about using your recycling centre.

What are bosses saying?

County Hall says only waste or recycling which cannot be stored at home without causing a health or safety risk will be accepted.

A spokesman added: "Social distancing measures and new site restrictions will be in place to ensure the safety of residents and site staff.

"This will include limiting the number of cars at any one time, so please be patient and expect long delays.

"If you can hold onto your waste, please do so until the sites are fully operational.

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

Despite the reopenings, the county council is asking residents to continue to rely on kerbside collections rather than travel to their nearest recycling centre.

What are the new rules being introduced?

- Only waste or recycling which cannot be stored at home without causing a health or safety risk will be accepted.

- Multiple visits are not allowed.

-Vans are only allowed for essential household waste.

- Users are not allowed to walk waste in

- No trailers will be allowed

- Only one person to exit the vehicle when on site

- Two metre distance from anyone else in the site must be maintained at all times

- Only bring waste or items you are able to unload yourself. Site staff are unable to help unload your vehicle

- Only one person on stairs or walkways at any one time

- Onsite compost sales will be suspended

The number of vehicles allowed onto the site also will be limited to manage social distancing. This will be controlled at the gate with a one in one out system.

Site staff will be directing traffic and will show you where to park.

Which recycling centres are open?

The following sites will open on Monday 18 May:

  • 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

Essex County Council says opening times are subject to change. Residents are asked not to queue outside any of the sites before they have reopened so as to allow staff to access the site without being delayed.

What types of waste and recycling pose a health or safety risk?

Bosses say centres are only open for waste or recycling that cannot be stored on your property without causing a risk of injury, health or harm to yourself or other members of your household.

The following items are not deemed essential if they can be safely stored, so residents are asked not to bring them to centres:

  • Recycling such as cardboard, paper and plastic bottles that can all be collected at the kerbside
  • Bags of textiles or books
  • Bulky items such as wardrobes, kitchen cabinets and chest of drawers
  • Soil, hardcore and wood

For more information, visit loveessex.org.