THE main recycling centre in Inverclyde is ready to reopen on Monday after the Scottish Government gave the go ahead.

The civic amenity site at Pottery Street in Greenock will be back up and running, initially for household waste, garden waste, wood and cardboard only.

The centre at Kirn Drive in Gourock will still be closed for another couple of weeks.

It is scheduled to reopen on June 15.

Meanwhile the council says plans 'are being finalised' to reinstate household recycling blue bin collections 'soon'.

Pottery Street will be open from 8am-7pm each day, except on a Wednesday, when it will be closed.

Commercial vehicles will be permitted entry during the week but not at weekends.

The first few days are expected to be extremely busy so people are being encouraged to visit the Pottery Street centre only if it is absolutely necessary during week one, to avoid lengthy queues.

Entry will be from the eastbound carriageway only and there will be a traffic management system in place.

People are being asked to be patient while staff work to get things back to normal and to be aware that there will be new rules in operation for their own safety and to protect workers.

Councillor Michael McCormick, pictured with staff, said: “In light of the expected easing of government restrictions, we are now in a position to be able to reopen our recycling centres, starting with the Pottery Street facility.

“It’s clear that with so many of us having had to stay at home over the last 10 weeks that there will of course have been a build-up of additional household waste with people using lockdown as an opportunity to have a clear-out of cupboards, lofts and garden sheds.

“However, I would urge people not to overwhelm the Pottery Street depot and its staff by all rushing there at once.

"If you can hold onto waste for a little while longer in your garage, loft or wherever then please do so.

“Residents have been extremely patient during this time and we would ask for continued patience and understanding as council staff work hard while implementing new working practices to get things back to normal as soon as possible.”

There will be road signs on both approaches to Pottery Street advising of waiting times ahead to get into the recycling centre and of any temporary closures if capacity is reached.

Only three vehicles at a time will be granted access.

No more than two adults will be allowed to unload a vehicle and any children should remain inside vehicles at all times.

People will be expected to observe government physical distancing rules of at least two metres apart from those outwith their own household which means council staff will be unable to help with carrying waste.

Those visiting Pottery Street are asked to sort their waste before travelling and squash it down, particularly cardboard, to help save space.

Neighbourhood recycling points remain open for glass, as well as other dry recyclables.

To find out more about Pottery Street opening times, health and safety rules and waste and recycling in Inverclyde, visit www.inverclyde.gov.uk/recycling or call 01475 715901.