WEST Dunbartonshire residents have been told by the council to expect long queues when recycling centres open next week.

Dalmoak and Erskine Ferry Road centres will open their doors on June 1, after being closed since March 23.

The facilities will initially operate with slight changes to normal practices – including vehicles only being admitted through a strict registration plate system, based on odd and even numbers.

Cars with an odd number last on their registration plate will be permitted access on odd dates of the month, while cars with an even number last on their registration plate will be permitted access on even dates of month.

The sites will have slightly reduced hours, opening between the hours of 9am and 6pm on Monday to Saturday, and initially will only accept household waste, garden waste and cardboard.

Only private cars will be allowed to access the sites, with no admission for business vehicles, and there will be a limit on the number of cars admitted at the same time to allow everyone to adhere to physical distancing guidance.

In addition, a maximum of two adults will be allowed to unload each car.

Read more: West Dunbartonshire's population decline down to lack of job opportunities

The council said it is expected that the demand to use the facilities will be high and long queues for entry should be anticipated.

Gail MacFarlane, strategic lead for roads and neighbourhoods, said: “Our employees will be doing their best to get visitors through efficiently, but as we are following government guidance on physical distancing in order to keep everyone safe, it will take significantly longer than usual.

“If you have been storing waste safely, you should consider whether you can continue to do so during this initial busy period.

“Please only travel to the site in line with the odd/even registration number system and remember that the team at the site will be unable to assist you with unloading.”

The facilities will allow the last car to enter each evening at 5.45pm and will close promptly at 6pm.

Residents are asked to consider the length of the queue as closing time approaches as entry for cars queuing cannot be guaranteed.