Residents in Pembrokeshire are still unhappy with Pembrokeshire County Council’s decision to carry on operating ‘civic amenity sites’ under a booking system, that was introduced during the pandemic.

Booking appointments are no longer required at Carmarthenshire County Council’s waste centres, but still remain in Pembrokeshire.

Reporting to members of East Williamston Community Council at their recent meeting, county councillor for the Ward, Cllr Jacob Williams stated that he had received some queries from residents who were unhappy with the Local Authority’s sites still operating under a booking system.

“The continuation of this policy, which was ostensibly brought in for public health reasons, was inconvenient for those who were unable to commit to a future time slot, or who only knew of their availability at short notice,” he said.

“The ability to make same-day bookings would be an advantage,” continued Cllr Williams, adding that the topic, which he knew had been the subject of numerous complaints to councillors from across the county, was due to be addressed at a full council meeting.

Since the meeting took place, the Local Authority has announced that Pembrokeshire residents now have the option of booking same day visits to the county’s Waste and Recycling Centres, introduced following requests from the public.

Slots are simple to book through the My Account service, via the Pembrokeshire County Council website or by phone (see below).

The requirement to book a slot ahead of visiting a WRC was made permanent in November 2021.

A spokesperson for PCC said: “The booking system has improved traffic management at WRCs and had health and safety benefits to the public and staff.

“It has also reduced the level of misuse of WRCs by commercial users disposing of chargeable waste as domestic waste and reduced the amount of cross border waste.

“Similar booking systems are used by several other Local Authorities in Wales.”

Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, Cllr Rhys Sinnett, said: “We are pleased to have introduced the option for a same day visit to our Waste and Recycling Services as we know this has been widely requested.

“The ability to book same day appointments has had a soft launch over previous weeks to test the system and has already proved popular.

“We hope this provides residents with more flexibility as to when they can book their slot at a WRC.”

To book a slot for a WRC you can:

• use My Account if you are registered https://account.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/Page/WRC-Booking

• Book directly on the PCC website: https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/forge/wrc/wrc.html

• Call 01437 764551

Please remember to take ID (showing the address on your booking) with you to your appointment.

Full guidelines and further information on booking and attending a WRC appointment is available at: https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/waste-and-recycling-centres