Frequently Asked Questions

Household recycling centres FAQs

Where are your waste recycling centres?

We operate four household waste recycling centres in Carmarthenshire, West Wales.

• Nantycaws
• Whitland
• Trostre
• Wern Ddu

When are your recycling centres open?

Please note the changes to opening hours effective from 24/07/2023

Summer opening times: 1st April to 30th September 08.30am – 6.00pm (Whitland 11.00am – 5.00pm)

Winter opening times: 1st October – 31st March 08.30am – 4.00pm (Whitland 08.30am – 2.30pm)

Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve closed at 12.00pm

Closed all day on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day

Trostre – Open 7 days a week

Nantycaws and Wernddu – Closed every Tuesday

Whitland – Closed every Wednesday and Thursday
Please see visit the council’s website for individual HWRC holiday closures and reduced opening times.

What will I need to bring with me to use the recycling centres?

Before entering, you will need to have the following with you to show to the site attendant:

• Proof of residency: one of the following – driving licence, your current Council Tax bill, a utility bill (no older than 3 months)
• Permit if your vehicle requires one.

How do I check if I need a permit and apply for one?

If your vehicle requires a permit, you can apply online.

How do I hand over my permit on entry to the recycling centres?

Please display your permit on your dashboard so that it is visible to the attendant. Once verified you will be asked to place it in a collection box on site.

What type of waste can I take to the recycling centres?

Visit our Household waste recycling services page to view all the recyclable materials we accept.

Do I have to pay to recycle any materials?

Yes, some materials carry charges when recycling at our household waste recycling centres. You can find a list of materials which carry charges on our household waste recycling centres page.

Can I take black bags to the recycling centres?

If you have more than three bags, then you can take the additional bags to a recycling centre. Make sure to sort black bags at home to remove all recyclable items. Please try to recycle as much as you can and help us to reduce the amount of rubbish going to landfill.

I am disabled, will I be able to use the sites?

Unfortunately, site staff cannot help to remove items from any vehicles, however, you can bring someone with you to help unload your waste or you may notify one of the site staff that you need to leave a heavy or bulky item on the ground. The staff will then place the waste into the correct receptacle. Adapted vehicles for disabled use can access the sites. If you believe your adapted vehicle falls into the permit category, please contact us before applying for a permit.

Is my vehicle suitable for the recycling centres?

Agricultural vehicles, horseboxes, tippers, flatbeds, caged vehicles, drop/curtain-sided vehicles and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes including box and panelled vans are not allowed in the recycling centres. Any vehicles towing a trailer more than 2.44 metres/8ft bed length regardless of the number of axles will also not be allowed in. Panelled vans 3.5 tonnes or under and single cab pickups are not permitted to tow any trailers in the recycling centres.

Can I dispose of business or commercial waste at the household waste recycling centres?

No. Our recycling centres cannot accept business waste, which must be disposed of using a licensed facility meeting Duty of Care requirements. Depositing commercial waste at the HWRC sites is a criminal offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and could result in an unlimited fine and up to 5 years imprisonment.

Can I drop things off if I live outside of Carmarthenshire?

No. Our sites are provided for Carmarthenshire residents only and residency checks are in place. You will need to bring one of the following as proof of residency: your driving licence, your current Council Tax bill or a utility bill (no older than 3 months).

If you are a non-resident and need access to clear waste for a relative following a family bereavement, then please contact us.

Eto – Reuse

What is the Canolfan Eto reuse village?

Eto is CWM Environmental’s innovative reuse project. The new reuse village, Canolfan Eto is a new reuse village located in Nantycaws where donated items from our recycling centres are repaired and upcycled for resale at our various shops. In addition to an onsite education centre and café, Canolfan Eto also features a paint reuse facility where unused paint is recycled for resale. We also operate a reuse shop in Llanelli.

Where is the Eto reuse village located?

Nantycaws Recycling Centre, Llanddarog Road, Nantycaws, SA32 8BG

What are the Eto reuse village opening times?

Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am – 4pm.

Merlin’s Magic range

Why use Merlin’s Magic compost?

Merlin’s Magic Compost is our peat-free, organic compost, made at our facility in Nantycaws from locally sourced green waste, making its carbon footprint much lower than compost shipped from other parts of the UK.

Does the compost contain food waste?

No. Merlin’s Magic Compost is comprised of green waste only and is certified for organic activities.

Is Merlin’s Magic Compost PAS100?

Yes. Merlin’s Magic Compost is audited and tested by the Organic Farmers and Growers Association to achieve this accreditation.

What is the difference between the two grades of Merlin’s Magic Compost?

Merlin’s Magic Compost is screened to two different sizes. Our 10mm compost is generally supplied in 40L bags and is a good general-purpose compost suitable for pots and young plants. Our 25mm screened compost contains everything that 10mm has but with the addition of slightly larger woody material which aids drainage, perfect for beds, mulching and larger projects.

What does Merlin’s Magic Compost cost?

Bagged compost is priced at £2.50 per bag while loose/bulk loads cost £35 per tonne for 10mm organic and £20 per tonne for the 25mm option.

Does Merlin’s Magic Compost contain peat?

No. No peat was harmed in the making of Merlin’s Magic Compost.

Do you add any chemicals to Merlin’s Magic Compost?

No. We don’t add anything to our compost to raise or alter its natural nutrient levels.

It comes from the tip. Is the compost safe to use?

Yes. Merlin’s Magic Compost is produced in a self-contained facility at Nantycaws and, as a result, does not encounter household waste or anything else for that matter. CWM is audited regularly.

Commercial recycling centre FAQs

Where is your commercial waste recycling centre located?

Llanddarog Road, Carmarthen SA32 8BG

When is the commercial waste recycling centre open?

08:00 – 15:30 Monday – Friday

08:00 – 11:00 Saturday

What can be disposed of at the commercial waste recycling centre?

Visit our Commercial waste recycling centre page to view all the recyclable materials we accept.

What happens when I arrive at the commercial waste recycling centre?

When you arrive, simply call at reception to show your documents and read the site rules. Staff will then assess your waste and inform you of the charge, which you will need to pay before depositing your waste. Once authorised to enter the centre please adhere to the site rules, reverse into the relevant bay and proceed to unload your waste.

How much does it cost to use the commercial recycling centre?

Charges are determined by vehicle size and waste stream. Please contact us for details.

How can I hire a skip or wheelie bin?

A: We provide skip, container and wheelie bin hire for small or large projects across Carmarthenshire to remove waste quickly, safely and responsibly. Find out more and use our free quote builder on our dedicated site.

What is a waste carrier’s licence?

If you normally and regularly transport waste as part of your own business, you will need to be registered as a waste carrier.

What is a waste transfer note?

Every time you, as a business, transfer non-hazardous waste to another business, both you and the person receiving the waste must complete a waste transfer note.

Can I dispose of confidential waste?

We provide a range of confidential waste disposal solutions. All data is guaranteed destroyed beyond recovery and our second-to-none services are friendly, fast and flexible.

General enquiries

I need to contact one of your sites

You can find relevant contact information for all our sites and departments on our Contact us page.

How do I find out about job vacancies?

You can find out about our current job vacancies and how to apply on our Careers page.

Are CWM Environmental responsible for Kerbside Collection in Carmarthenshire?

No. This is carried out by Carmarthenshire County Council.

Do CWM Environmental handle waste for landfill?

No. Our aim is to divert as much waste as possible from landfill and we take a proactive approach to meeting, greeting, and educating people from all walks of life about how we can achieve sustainability by reuse, recycling, and recovery of materials.

Are there Welsh speakers available at CWM Environmental?

Yes. We have dedicated Welsh-speaking staff.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact our friendly team.