Height restriction barriers are being re-introduced at Trostre Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) in an attempt to stop the facility being abused by trade vehicles.
During April, 26,000 vehicles visited the site, but it is thought that around a third were businesses who are not permitted to use the facilities.
Growing misuse of the site is causing congestion and safety issues at the site, prompting complaints from members of the public.
As a result, from Tuesday, May 29, vehicles over two metres in height will not be allowed to enter the centre.
The decision has been made by Carmarthenshire County Council and Cwm Environmental Ltd, which operates the HWRC on the council’s behalf.
Cllr Hazel Evans, executive board member for environment, said: “Household Waste Recycling Centres are funded by households through council tax contributions and it is not fair for them to be affected by unnecessary congestion and safety issues at our sites because businesses are abusing them.
“We are acting on complaints and feedback in re-introducing height restrictions at the site.
“We acknowledge these changes may affect a small number of users who are genuinely disposing of household waste but have a high-sided vehicle and apologise for this temporary inconvenience whilst longer-term solutions can be found.”
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 requires all vehicles carrying commercial waste to be registered as a waste carrier and provide a valid waste transfer note which stipulates conditions for proper disposal of waste.
Commercial waste disposal facilities are available at Nantycaws, Carmarthen, or businesses can organise trade waste collections.
The council said it will increase patrols and enforcement of fly-tipping as a result of the re-introduction of height restrictions at the HWRC.
Anyone caught fly-tipping could be fined up to £50,000 or face imprisonment, as well as new on-the-spot fixed penalty notices of up to £350.
Information about the changes at Trostre HWRC, commercial waste facilities, bulky waste collections, and recycling, can be found on the council’s website www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales.
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