Recycling collections are back on in Wycombe and Chiltern districts as of today (Monday) - but the weekly food waste collection is temporarily suspended instead.

Last week, both Wycombe and Chiltern district councils said the paper and card along with mixed dry recycling such as cans, glass, and plastics recycling would be stopped because of the coronavirus.

But from today (Monday), those collections are back on, with residents asked to put out their recycling for collection on their next scheduled collection day.

Buckinghamshire Council said on Twitter: "Unfortunately, we are unable to return for containers that weren’t collected during the service suspension last week but we will collect a reasonable amount of extra recycling, if it’s in a reusable container or cardboard box, on your next scheduled collection.

"In Chiltern and Wycombe to enable recycling collections, the weekly food waste collection is temporarily suspended. Please compost food waste like fruit and veg peelings at home if you can.

"Anything that can’t be composted, please dispose of in your general rubbish.

"Thanks for your patience and understanding during what is a really difficult time for us all."

The news of the suspension last week sparked outrage from some residents, who feared it would lead to an increase in fly-tipping - especially as all of the county's household recycling centres are also shut because of social distancing measures.

The council has also revealed some other changes to their services as they "prioritise what is needed the most" and try to avoid contact between people to help slow the spread of the virus:

• Country parks and libraries are now closed to the public

• Play parks and sports areas of parks are closed but parks remain open for exercise – gatherings however are banned

• All household recycling centres (tips) are closed

• There are some changes to waste collection services – please check the Buckinghamshire Council website for up to date details

• Weddings and other ceremonies will not take place and the registrars service will make contact with anyone who has bookings to make arrangements and organise refunds where necessary

• Other changes are being made in regard to registering births and deaths, please check the Buckinghamshire Council website for the most up to date information

Cllr Martin Tett said: “These last few days have been incredibly challenging as we all make major changes to our daily lives to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

"We are having to make changes to how our services run but please be assured we are doing everything we can to carry on providing the services our residents rely on through this crisis.

"I want to thank everyone for the huge personal sacrifices you are all making to help protect the people in our county in the coming weeks and months.

"I also want to emphasise how important it is that people follow the rules about staying at home, as the Prime Minister outlined on the television on Monday night. You and your family must stay at home apart from essential travel.

"We really are all in this together and I know how strong our communities here in Buckinghamshire are – I know we can get through this, supporting each other as we go.”

Eight local support hubs have also been established across the county specifically for the most vulnerable people who don’t have friends, family or other support they can rely on.

The hubs will be based in library buildings, but the libraries won’t be open to the public and the hubs are not for general public use.

See all the latest service updates at www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk.