Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council is asking residents to make fuller use of recycling services during Recycle Week as it seeks to move closer to Welsh Government recycling targets.
The Welsh Government has set a target for local authorities to recycle 70% of the waste they collect. The council says most households in Merthyr Tydfil recycle regularly, but it has not yet met the required target and wants more recyclable material kept out of general waste bins.
Authorities that fail to meet statutory recycling targets can face financial penalties, which the council says would put further pressure on public finances.
Councillor David Jones, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Communities, said: “We know that the vast majority of residents in Merthyr Tydfil are committed to recycling and we would like to thank everyone who recycles regularly. However, there are still recyclable materials, particularly food waste, being placed in general waste bins.
“Every household contribution matters. By making small changes and using the recycling and food waste services available, residents can help us improve our recycling performance and work towards the Welsh Government’s recycling targets.”
Food waste is one area where the council says significant improvements could be made. A kerbside food waste collection has been available to all households since 2016, but a substantial amount of food waste is still put in residual waste bins each week.
Food waste collected separately can be recycled and used to generate renewable energy and nutrient-rich fertiliser.
During Recycle Week, residents are being encouraged to recycle as much as possible every week, use their food waste caddy for all food waste, check what can be recycled through the council’s service, and avoid placing recyclable materials in general waste bins.
The council says improving recycling rates is a collective effort that benefits the environment, supports Wales’ recycling ambitions and helps protect public resources.
