Cornwall's waste and recycling centres have seen queuing times of more than an hour this week, leading to repeated pleas for people to consider if their visit is necessary – and to respect staff.

Cornwall Council has issued an appeal for people to avoid unnecessary trips this weekend, following long queues at many sites.

Drivers are being urged not to obstruct roads and to return at a later time if there are long queues.

They have also been warned that abuse to workers at the sites will not be tolerated.

The number plate entry system is being enforced and people will be turned away during busy periods if they go on the wrong day.

Instead, the council is urging people to store items safely at home and to use the kerbside rubbish and recycling collection services where possible.

Rob Nolan, portfolio holder for environment and public protection, said: “Due to Covid restrictions and the need to maintain social distancing we have to limit the number of vehicles that can enter each site. This is to ensure visitors can maintain social distancing.

“We ask that if you can store unwanted items at home safely, you delay your trip to the HWRC for the time being.

“The staff are working incredibly hard so please be patient and respectful. We will not tolerate abuse to our workers.”

It follows similar scenes last week: Warning as long queues build at Cornwall recycling centres

The number plate entry system is designed to limit the number of people visiting the sites each day.

If the last digit of your vehicle number plate is even – 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8 - then you should only visit a HWRC on an even date of the month, eg 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th etc.

For example, if your number plate is RL34 JGS, the last digit is 4 – an even number – so you may visit on even dates of the month.

Even numbers include the number 0 (zero).

If the last digit of your number plate is odd – 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9 – then you should only visit an HWRC on an odd date of the month, e.g. 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th etc.

If you have a personalised number plate the last digit of your number plate indicates the date you may visit the sites.

The following sites are open from 9am to 4pm, seven days a week:

Bodmin HWRC

Bude HWRC

Connon Bridge HWRC

Dudnance Lane, Pool, please note Dudnance Lane does not accept general waste

Falmouth and Penryn HWRC

Helston HWRC

Launceston HWRC

Newquay HWRC

Saltash HWRC

St Austell HWRC

St Day (United Downs) HWRC

St Erth (Hayle) HWRC

Tintagel (Bowithick) ope

Truro HWRC