We will be collecting waste and recycling (including garden waste) on Good Friday (April 10) and Easter Monday (April 13) this year, in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Residents are being reminded to put their bins out the night before as collections can take place earlier than usual within the day.
Crews are changing their ways of working to ensure bin and recycling collections can continue as normal for as long as possible in Carmarthenshire.
Teams are starting routes earlier than usual to allow them to juggle childcare arrangements in order to keep essential services going.
Some crews are working from 4am in order to ensure their partners who work in the NHS, as care workers or in other key services can continue with their crucial services.
Executive board member responsible for environment, Cllr Hazel Evans, said: “I applaud our crews for thinking outside of the box to ensure not only that essential services such as this can carry on, but also other essential services not only within the authority but with key partner agencies such as the NHS.
“I must also thank CWM environmental who have opened their waste transfer stations early to accommodate this arrangement. This shows the cooperative can-do spirit of our workforce and managers in doing their utmost to keep this essential service going.”
Here are answers to some of the questions you’ve been asking…
How can I make sure my bins are hygienic?
Always wash your hands and disinfect your bins and caddies and their handles before and after you touch them.
Is the three bag black bin limit going to be lifted due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
We are doing our best to keep the service going with as little change as possible.
This situation is being evaluated daily and if there are any changes they will be updated here and on our social media pages.
We collect food waste every week, so please use your green food caddy. Here’s a list of what can go into your food waste bin
We would urge everyone to recycle as much as possible to reduce the amount of black bag waste. Even with more people living in the household, the majority of the waste generated will be recyclable in either the blue bag or food waste bin. Find out more on our A-Z of recycling page.
How many blue bags can I put out?
Blue bag collections are unlimited – take a look at the A-Z of recycling to see what you can put in your blue bags.
How can I dispose of garden waste?
You can home compost your garden waste or apply for a kerbside garden waste collection.
Will you be collecting glass bottles?
We are doing our best to keep the service going during these difficult times.
All glass bins at our community recycling centres are still being serviced, although in line with government guidance we ask that you use the supermarket locations when you are out essential food shopping.
If not, please keep all glass somewhere safe until recycling centres re-open.
Someone in my household has symptoms of coronavirus, what should I do with the waste?
If any member of your household has symptoms of the coronavirus or you are self-isolating as you believe you or a member of your household are developing symptoms of the virus, you must double bag all tissues and personal waste and ensure the black bag is set aside for no less than 72 hours before placing into the general household waste black bag.
I have run out of blue bags. Where can I get more over Easter?
We have now completed our annual delivery of blue bags to households across the county and every property will have received their allocation of three rolls for this year.
If you think you will require more you can pick up a roll from the following locations:
- Near the entrance to the market office in Carmarthen indoor market
- The Co-op in Ammanford
- Customer services desk Asda, Llanelli
- The Co-op in Johnstown, Camarthen
Please be considerate to others and only take one roll per household.
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