THE waste management and recycling centre in Alloa is set to re-open next Monday with a booking system.

The Forthbank centre will see a number of stringent controls in place and it will not be business as usual when the re-opening goes ahead on June 1.

Since the announcement this morning (Friday, May 29) Clackmannanshire Council has confirmed that slots for the first week are already fully booked and people are asked to bring the neccessary items only.

Access will be by appointment only with a maximum of one booking per week per household.

Social distancing will be in place and residents or commercial customers outwith the Wee County will not be allowed.

There will be a limited type and amount of waste that can be disposed of and the time available on site will be restricted as well.

Soil and rubble will not be accepted and people are asked to endeavour to retain recyclables at home until normal operations resume.

Safety measures will mean only one person per vehicle will be allowed.

Staff will provide direction and advice, but will not be able to help people unload waste from vehicles.

Access will be limited to cars and small vans, for instance a Berlingo.

Larger vehicles, such as a Transit, will not be allowed.

However, people may use a small trailer, four foot by three foot maximum.

Opening times will be 9.30am to 12noon and 1.30pm to 4.30pm on weekdays.

Saturdays will see the centre open between 9am and 12pm and it will be closed on Sundays.

When booking, people will be given a reference number which they must show on arrival along with their driving license to prove they are a Clackmannanshire resident.

To help with traffic management and maintain safety, people are asked to arrive at the site no more than five minutes before their allocated time.

Commercial use will resume on Wednesday, June 3, subject to a number of constraints.

Councillor Donald Balsillie, deputy council leader, said: “This has been an exceptionally difficult time for all our residents.

“Our waste and recycling staff have been working hard in difficult circumstances to maintain most of our regular waste collections throughout this ongoing pandemic.

“We have had a tremendous response from the majority of our residents and their messages of thanks and appreciation have been very much appreciated.

“Now that we are able to re-open Forthbank Waste and Recycling Centre, we have to make sure that we are maintaining government guidance around safe social distancing for those residents who have to use the site because they are no longer able to safely store excess waste at home.

“I’m confident residents will work with us and respect our staff, it is important that people respect the site rules and comply with the new measures and ensure everyone is safe.”

Click here to book a place or call 01259 450 000.

Further details are available on the council's website.