Cars are being turned away at newly-reopened Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) due to high demand and social distancing measures.

Four of the six HWRCs in Caerphilly County Borough have reopened today (May 26), having been closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Caerphilly County Borough Council has urged residents only to visit the sites “if essential”.

The council has defined essential as “materials that you cannot store safely at home or dispose of via our usual collection services”.

At Penallta Civic Amenity Site, there is a waiting time of more than four hours, while the Trehir tip near Llanbradach has a waiting time of around three to four hours.

Waiting times at the Aberbargoed site are currently around two to three hours, while visitors to the Full Moon site in Cross Keys can expect to wait between one and two hours to get rid of their waste.

Rhymney and Penmaen sites are set to reopen tomorrow (Wednesday, May 27).

Answering a question posed to him by Caerphilly Observer during a Welsh Government coronavirus press briefing, Welsh health minister Vaughan Gething said he expects “a return to something more like normal” in regards to queues outside of HWRCs.

He also spoke about how other local authorities in Wales, namely the Vale of Glamorgan, have implemented a booking system to manage the demand.

Council guidance on visiting recycling centres

Traffic management – The council anticipates large numbers of residents will want to use the facilities as soon as they reopen. If queues become excessive, you may be turned away and asked to return at another time or day.

Proof of residency – Drivers will be asked to provide the usual forms of ID as proof of residency within the county borough. These should be held up against your closed driver’s window for inspection by staff outside the vehicle.

Cars only – Access will be for cars only during this interim period. No vans or trailers will be allowed and the council will not be operating the permit system for vans and trailers during this initial period. These will be reintroduced when operating conditions return to normal.

Social distancing – additional precautions and practices will be required to ensure appropriate social distancing is observed at all times, such as limiting the number of vehicles on the ramps.

Limit numbers – Ideally only the driver of the vehicle should be in the car when visiting the HWRC. Anyone displaying symptoms of coronavirus, or who lives with someone who is self-isolating should not visit these facilities

Can you lift it? – Council workers will be unable to assist you unload materials, so only bring what you can safely lift and carry.  If you have large household items to dispose of please book a bulky item collection – https://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/Services/Household-waste-and-recycling/Bulky-item-collection

Respect staff – The council anticipates high demand for this service, but is unable to operate in the same we as it normally would. The restrictions and additional measures are there to protect everyone and the local authority said it will not tolerate any abuse.