Residents are being reminded that Southend’s two household waste recycling centres have changed to winter opening hours.

The sites, which receive 270,000 visits from residents each year and collect around 5,000 tonnes of recycling, 2,500 tonnes of garden waste and almost 5,000 tonnes of waste, will be adjusting to their winter opening hours.

Stock Road site hours changed on Monday 1 November, and will be open weekdays 9am to 4pm, whilst being closed on Thursdays, with weekend opening times between 8am and 4pm.

Leigh Marshes HWRC changed on Monday 1 November will be open weekdays 9am to 4pm, whilst being closed on Wednesdays, with weekend opening times between 8am and 4pm.

Both sites will be closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.

Martin Terry, cabinet member for public protection, said: “As the days are growing shorter and colder, there is less customer demand on our recycling centres, and we have adjusted the opening hours accordingly.

“We recognise that over the summer months many residents only use the centres for disposing of garden waste. I would urge residents to consider signing up to the weekly garden waste collection service and reduce the need to visit HWRC.”

Residents are reminded that if they cannot take unwanted bulky items like furniture to the recycling centres, a collection can be booked via www.southend.gov.uk/bulkywaste. Unwanted bulky items must never be left on the street or verge as it will be classed as fly-tipping and residents can be issued with a £400 Fixed Penalty or even prosecuted by the Council, which can result in a court imposing a fine of up to £50,000, or 12-months imprisonment for a conviction.

Please visit www.southend.gov.uk/hwrc for more information