Gwynedd’s recycling centres is being opened up to panel vans under a new permit system, the local authority has confirmed.

Since the gradual reopening of the county’s centres in May, following the Covid-19 lockdown, over 20,000 appointments have been made.

But while only cars are currently allowed to use the centres to dispose of their unwanted goods, a new arrangement will now be trialled to allow owners of panel vans to apply for a permit to use them. 

To date, the system has enabled car owners, and more recently vehicles with a single axle trailer, to make an appointment to visit one of the eight recycling centres at a set time.

 But the Council is now asking owners of panel vans who wish to visit recycling centres to arrange to get a permit, allowing them to visit the centres up to 18 times a year.

 The permits will be free but will be in pace to ensure that commercial businesses who use panel vans cannot misuse the centres which are for domestic waste only.

The new arrangement does not affect vans with rear windows and seats in the back, and owners of such vans do not need to apply for a license. They can request an appointment through the regular arrangements available on the Council website.

Steffan Jones, Gwynedd Council’s Head of Highways and Municipal services said: “Making an appointment in advance to visit the Council’s recycling centres has been very successful over the last two months.

“So far, cars have been able to visit, with single vehicles with axle trailers also being allowed more recently.

“Thank you to residents for working with us on the new arrangements and for respecting social distancing rules to keep Gwynedd residents and our recycling centre staff safe.

“As a next step, we are piloting a licensing system for panel vans. It is important to remember that recycling centres only accept domestic waste from Gwynedd homes.

“The new arrangement will therefore be a way of ensuring that no commercial businesses misuse the centres which are for the use of Gwynedd residents.

“There are dedicated disposal sites available to commercial companies, and disposing of commercial waste at any council’s recycling centres is illegal and contravenes our license rules.

“Similar arrangements are already in place in neighbouring counties, and we will be monitoring the new arrangements as part of the trial over the coming months to consider whether a more permanent arrangement can be introduced.”

Residents can apply for a van license by visiting www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/recyclingcentres or using the “ApGwynedd” app.

Residents who aren’t online should call the Council’s contact centre on 01766 771000 to make arrangements.