Press release - Jun 15, 2009 09:00 AM

SITA offers advice on keeping safe at recycling centres

SITA Cornwall is launching a campaign to raise awareness about public safety at its household waste recycling centres (HWRCs). Over the coming weeks, members of the public at HWRCs will be offered a handy guide to using the sites safely.

There are over one million visits made to the recycling centres in Cornwall every year. The purpose of some of these visits is to dispose of sharp, heavy or hazardous waste and therefore people need to be aware of the potential hazards when visiting. The guide advises site users to be wary of sharp objects, to drive cautiously, to dress appropriately and to report accidents.

Phil Rudin, Operations Manager for SITA Cornwall said: ‘Last year a number of members of the public injured themselves whilst using our recycling centres. It is therefore very important that people take note of the guidance available, to make their visits as safe as possible.’

Phil added: ‘We have staff on every site who are ready and willing to help visitors with any heavy or awkward items they may have. We ask visitors not to struggle with any items and to make sure that they ask for help at any time.’

SITA also advises people to call its helpdesk, if they are in any doubt about an item that they want to dispose of. Recently Helston, United Mines and Bowithick household waste recycling centres had to be temporarily closed when two shells and a container of glycerine were wrongly deposited at the sites.

The safety leaflet is available at all SITA managed recycling centres throughout the county, online and from the SITA Cornwall helpdesk on 08456 300300. HWRCs are currently open 7 days a week from 0900hrs to 1800hrs.