Since the site at Longue Hougue reopened at the end of April, measures to prevent the spread of COVID 19 have meant a limit on what materials could be dropped off.

Recycling Officer Tina Norman-Ross said this was part of a phased reintroduction of services at the HWRC, which had been extremely busy since reopening.

‘’We have taken a lot of calls from islanders wanting to dispose of unwanted items which quite frankly are too good to be thrown away. Reuse is at the forefront of the island’s waste strategy and so we have been asking people to hold on to their items if possible, until now.’’

The reuse element of the site is operated as a social enterprise partnership involving GO (Giving Opportunities to Guernsey’s Young People), a local charity that trains young islanders with social and communication problems for work.

Their three retail outlets - GO2, GO and GO Outdoors, all of which are situated on the Bridge, are now open and are preparing to get new stock back on the shelves as quickly as possible.

GO Chairperson Sarah Bamford said, ‘’ GO is looking forward to welcoming customers new and old. We will be accepting most of our usual bits and pieces, such as good quality furniture, electrical items, bric-a-brac, clothes, garden tools and furniture. But on advice from Public Health, we are unable to accept soft furnishings such as sofas, chairs, fabric covered bed frames and head boards or soft toys for time being.

“However this will be reviewed as the situation continues to develop and so we are asking islanders to hold onto these items for the time being.’’

To ensure social distance is maintained, site staff are unable to help unload vehicles. Large or heavy items should only be brought to the site if they can be safely unloaded by those delivering them. Anyone visiting the site can be accompanied by someone from the same household.

A designated area has been set up in front of the GO hut for drop offs and items will be cleaned or bagged up and stored at the GO hut for 72 hours before being taken to the shops to be sorted.

Items that are suitable for reuse can be dropped off Monday to Saturday, between 8am and 4pm. The site is also open in Sundays, from 8am to noon, but the reuse facility is closed.”