Recycling centres are reopening... here’s what you need to know:
HOUSEHOLD recycling centres in a further three North Wales counties have announced they are set to reopen this week.
But those wishing to use the facilities at select locations in Gwynedd, Conwy and Flintshire will need to adhere to strict new rules now in place.
Local authorities closed their centres as Wales and the rest of the UK went into lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic.
From now on, anyone wishing to dispose of household recycling and waste in Gwynedd and Conwy will be required to book a slot in advance.
Here’s what you need to know about the new rules for centres in
Gwynedd:
Five of the county’s eight centres are open for pre-bookings.
The centres at Bangor, Caernarfon, Dolgellau, Ffridd Rasus in Harlech and Pwllheli will be open for Gwynedd residents visiting in cars who have booked a specific timeslot between 9am and 4pm Tuesday to Saturday. It will be closed on Sundays and Mondays.
The Garndolbenmaen, Blaenau Ffestiniog and Bala recycling centres will remain closed as the council assesses how the new arrangements bed-in at other sites.
A Gwynedd Council spokesman said the service would be limited to cars only, and people must register their number plates beforehand. It would be extended to include vans and trailers as soon as possible.
Councillor Catrin Wager, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Municipal, said those displaying COVID-19 symptoms, those living in a household with someone displaying symptoms of the virus or who are shielding should not visit the recycling centres at all, with only one person allowed out of the car to unload.
She added: “We would urge residents to help to ensure the new arrangements work as smoothly as possible by sorting out as much of their items for disposal before they get to the centre and to ensure that they fully observe the social distancing rules at the centres to protect their own health and that of our staff.
“For this new arrangement to work, we are appealing to Gwynedd residents to use the same restraint they have shown throughout the lockdown period.
“The stay at home message remains in place in Wales, and residents should only consider travelling to our recycling centres if they are unable to store items safely at home or if the items cannot be collected as part of the council’s weekly household recycling collections.”
To use the council recycling centres, residents will need to book a slot online by visiting www.gwynedd. llyw.cymru/recyclingcentres, using the Council’s website or app or by phoning the council’s contact centre in advance on 01766 771000.
Anglesey
Anglesey will reopen one of its recycling centres next month.
The Penhesgyn centre near Menai Bridge will open for pre-bookings only from June 2, having been shut since lockdown measures were first implemented in mid March.
The council’s other centre at Gwalchmai will remain closed due to its proximity to the A5 and potential traffic risks. Residents will be able to make online bookings via the council’s website from 9am on June 1, but the authority is asking that only those who feel they can’t safely store their waste and recycling at home should use the facility for the time being.
Those displaying Covid-19 symptoms or living with anyone who’s currently shielding or self isolating are also asked to stay away, with only cars carrying a single passenger allowed on site, which will be open between 10am and 4:30pm on weekdays.
Anglesey council’s chief executive Annwen Morgan said: “Our waste management team has been working hard during recent weeks to ensure that we can reopen our household waste recycling centres, starting with Penhesgyn, in a safe manner.
“The health and safety of residents and our staff must come first and those visiting are asked to follow the guidance in place and observe the social distancing when on site.”
Cllr Bob Parry, highways, property and waste management portfolio holder, added: “There is likely to be significant demand for the service during the first week, so we would ask residents only to visit Penhesgyn if they cannot safely store their waste or recycling at home for the time being.
“Please only go to there if your visit is essential and you meet all the access requirements.
The council also confirmed it will be introducing a phased introduction of its bulky waste collection service as an alternative to having to visit Penhesgyn.
The available slots will be limited at first, but it is hoped these can be increased in the coming weeks. Bulky collections can be booked in the usual way by contacting the council’s waste management section via 01248 750057 (Option 7).
To pre-book a visit to Penhesgyn recycling centre, visit anglesey.gov. uk/en/My-Account.aspx.
Householders will be given the following booking slots: 10.00am12.00pm, 12.00pm-2.00pm and 2.00pm-4.30pm, with online prebooked visits to be capped each day to meet health and safety requirements.