Cars are still being turned away at newly-reopened Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) in Caerphilly County Borough.

Two more HWRCs have today (Wednesday, May 27) reopened for the first time since the coronavirus lockdown.

Penmaen and Rhymney both reopened today, while sites at Aberbargoed, Penallta, Trehir and Full Moon in Crosskeys all reopened on Tuesday (May 26).

The council said cars have been turned away at Penmaen this morning, and it is likely other sites will be doing the same due to high demand.

Currently, there is a two to three hour waiting time at Penmaen, with a 50 minute wait at Rhymney.

Aberbargoed and Full Moon have waiting times of around two to three hours, while residents hoping to get rid of their waste at the Trehir site near Llanbradach can expect to queue for around three to four hours.

Penallta Civic Amenity Site is closed on Wednesdays.

A spokesperson for Caerphilly County Borough Council said: “We are opening all six of our recycling centres this week – more than any other area in Gwent. 

“New restrictions will be in place to ensure the safety of public and staff at all times and this will inevitably lead to longer waiting times than usual.

“We remind residents that the sites should only be used for essential visits in order to dispose of waste material that cannot be stored safely at home or collected via our usual waste collection services.”

Cllr Nigel George, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, denied reports that the council had been closing gates at the sites earlier than planned on Tuesday.

Cllr George said: “Caerphilly has the most civic amenity sites across the region, so we are better placed than most to deal with this increase in demand following the closure of sites throughout the country.

“Sites are open for essential waste that cannot be stored safely at home or disposed of via our normal collection services. All facilities are likely to be very busy this week so I would ask residents to consider delaying your visit if trips aren’t essential.”

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.

Further information and detailed advice will be issued by the council ahead of the reopening of the sites on Tuesday, May 26.