Wokingham Borough Council’s Shute End offices will be one of several locations residents can get waste and recycling items if they’re running out during lockdown. Woodley and Earley libraries will also reopen this week to provide these essential items to residents.
Shute End will be open under restricted days and hours, Tuesday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm, and with Covid-19 safe restrictions to allow residents to access essentials for these services only. The libraries in those areas will open on different weekdays (further information below) and this is only to provide waste items – library services will not be available.
This opening began this week and is to help distribute items relating to our waste and recycling collection services only. It includes collecting pre-ordered blue bags and garden waste sacks, as well as picking up food waste caddies (indoor and outdoor) and food waste caddy liners only. Those purchasing blue bags or garden sacks will need to pay in advance on our website and then bring the receipt with them.
The only entry point for residents will be via the main entrance off Biscoe Way. It will be on a one in one out basis. Distancing signage will be in place to ensure residents and staff can be kept safe.
If you do not live or work near one of our open locations, residents are now also able to order a delivery of blue bags via our website. These will be paid for online and then delivered within 10 working days. This process also applies for any residents wanting to purchase brown garden waste sacks. Residents are encouraged to use Shute End or other locations above if they can.
Other locations are currently open for collection of waste and recycling items only with distancing measures in place. These locations include:
- Lower Earley library (RG6 5HZ) – open Monday, Thursday and Friday, 9.30am to 5pm
- Woodley library (RG5 4JA) – open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – 9:30am to 5pm (7pm on Thursdays)
- Ryeish Green Sports Hub, Hyde End Road, Ryeish Green RG7 1ER – open Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm (term time only)
- Rogers Hardware, 25 Greenwood Rd, Crowthorne RG45 6QX (blue bags and garden waste sacks only)
Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure, including waste and recycling, said: “If you’re out of blue bags or urgently require any garden sacks please remember to pay in advance and bring your receipt for collection. Only visit the office if you are out of bags or these items are essential for you to continue to use our waste and recycling service, otherwise residents should avoid visiting. Remember we are in a national lockdown so only visit Shute End if it’s essential.”
We encourage residents to use the food waste service, and residents who wish to start this who do not live near any of the locations listed above, should email [email protected] providing their full address. They should make clear whether they would like a black outdoor container and/or an indoor food waste caddy. Then delivery will be arranged within 10 working days.
Cllr Batth added: “Providing the ability to pay online and have blue bags or garden sacks delivered will allow us to support residents who are vulnerable or choosing to stay at home during this time. We know this is a time of year when some people will need more blue bags, so we are continuing to adapt our services to serve our residents safely.”
