Recycling bags trial
Many thanks to those of you that took part in the recent 15-week trial, in which households in the trial area were provided with two new reusable bags and a new box to use to present their recycling.
The trial ended on Friday 4, July 2025.
What should I do now?
If you took part in the trial, you may choose to continue using your new containers to present your recycling on your usual collection day or go back to using your existing Cartgylchu.
Please hold onto both sets of containers until we evaluate the trial and confirm which containers to use in the future.
What happens next?
Between Saturday, 21 June and Friday, 4 July 2025, we carried out a trial survey with residents and gained feedback from our collection crews, to find out their views on using the new containers.
We’ll analyse the insights and consider the next steps in making it as easy as possible for residents to recycle as much of their waste from home.
Prize draw results
Thank you again to those of you that told us what you thought about the trial by filling in our quick survey. We’ll be contacting the individual who was randomly selected from all the survey entries received and won the £50 One4all Gift Card.
Please note: the value of the prize draw gift card has been funded to Cyngor Gwynedd by Welsh Government; it is not paid for using residents’ Council Tax payments.
Frequently asked questions
Several local councils in Wales already use the bags and box similar to the ones we're trialling, which have proved to work well.
The bags are larger than the existing cartgylchu boxes, and the material is more flexible, which means residents will be able to put more items in the bags than the current boxes.
The bags use less space than the cartgylchu and can therefore be stored more easily, which should benefit residents living in homes where storage space is an issue, such as terraced houses and flats.
The bags are also lighter, and the new box doesn't have a flap, which should make it easier for crews to lift and empty their contents onto our collection vehicles.
The bags and box will be cheaper to replace than the cartgylchu, as and when they go missing or break.
Around 2,000 homes in Gwynedd have been chosen to take part in the trial.
The addresses that have been chosen are in different areas so that we can have a clear understanding on how the new containers would work in rural areas, villages and towns.
If your home has been chosen to take part in the trial you will receive a package containing two recycling bags, a blue recycling box as well as a leaflet and letter explaining the changes.
Every home that is part of the trial will receive a package containing the new bags.
Only 2,000 addresses are part of the trial so if you have not received a package your address is not part of the trial this time.
If you feel that you need more bags to hold your recycling you can order more online:
Order new recycling equipment
(you will need to create an account if you don't already have one)
or call 01766 771000.
Please remember to save space in your bags by safely crushing or squashing your metal, plastic and carton items where possible, and cutting cardboard, to ensure they fit.
If your recycling bags or box get damaged or lost you can order new ones online:
Order new recycling equipment
(you will need to create an account if you don't already have one)
or call 01766 771000.
Whilst the new bags are weighted and unlikely to blow away in high winds, you may choose to position them between your brown caddy for food waste and your blue box for glass bottles and jars, on your collection day.
Please also remember to close the flaps and secure the Velcro fastening on your bags, and close the lid on your box, to prevent your recycling from escaping.
If your recycling bags or box get damaged or lost you can order new ones:
Order new recycling equipment
(you will need to create an account if you don't already have one)
or call 01766 771000.
If your bag/box was not emptied on your collection day, please let us know:
Bag/box not emptied - report online
(you will need to create an account if you don't already have one)
or call 01766 771000.
It’s important you put the correct items in the correct containers and that your recycling containers don’t contain materials that can’t be recycled. However, we recognise anyone can make a mistake.
If you have any questions, please contact us:
Recycling enquiry
or call 01766 771000
If you realise you’ve put something in the wrong container after we’ve collected your recycling, please don’t worry – just try to remember to get it right next time.
For the duration of the trial, please hold onto your Cartgylchu but please don’t use it.
Once the trial has ended, you may choose to use either your new containers or your existing Cartgylchu to present your recycling, whichever you prefer.
Please hold onto both sets of containers until we evaluate the trial and confirm which containers to use in the future.
More information
For more information about the trial, or for help and advice about recycling your waste please contact us:
Recycling enquiry
or call 01766 771000