Waste recycling tips have been closed by North Yorkshire county council and people are being urged not to create extra waste by carrying out DIY at their homes.

The authority has shut all its household waste recycling centres across the county following the Prime Minister’s announcement about the latest measures to restrict movement to tackle coronavirus.

A spokesman said bin and recycling collections are not affected. They also called on people to avoid creating unnecessary waste until tips can reopen. They warn during the outbreak tissues and cloths should be put in two bin bags and kept separate for 72 hours before being put in bins for collection.

Cllr Andrew Lee, executive member for waste management, said: "It is clear from the Prime Minister’s statement that we should all only be making essential journeys and we have therefore decided to close all household waste recycling centres in North Yorkshire to help reduce the opportunity for the virus to spread.

"We will of course continually review that position and we will reopen them at the earliest practicable opportunity. Please hang on to any bulky waste until the sites reopen and don’t be tempted to fly tip. Fly tipping is an offence and offenders will be prosecuted."