Frustrated residents have hit out at county environmental chiefs over the reduced opening times at Spalding Recycling Centre after traffic chaos on Friday.
People waiting to use the centre in West Marsh Road found themselves stranded in queues stretching back to Wardentree Lane roundabout.
Spalding trader Michael Strutt described Lincolnshire County Council’s cost-cutting decision to open the centre just four days a week, Friday to Monday, as “unsatisfactory and dangerous”.
Mr Strutt, of Penman Clockcare in Pinchbeck Road, said: “My wife took some garden waste to the centre on Friday and had to queue on the road, even though there are signs saying you can’t.
“She felt very vulnerable in her car and I hear the same thing all the time from my customers.
“In my opinion, this is unsatisfactory from an environmental point of view and dangerous as well.”
Another Spalding resident has written to county council leader Martin Hill, asking him to rethink the decision to close the centre three days a week.
Wayne Seaborn, of Saxon Close, Spalding, said: “I accept the need to reduce costs but by closing the facility for half the week, issues like last Friday’s arise.
“Why should people who have taken their waste to an approved recycling plant continually return until there is no queue?”
Councillor Lewis Strange, executive member for waste services, said: “Spalding Recycling Centre has moved its winter opening times of four days a week, bringing it in line with the changed opening timmes at most other sites.
“We would urge people to adapt and visit at less busy times if they can.”