Pembrokeshire County Council is introducing increased checks on black bags at its Waste and Recycling Centres as part of efforts to improve recycling rates and keep staff safe.
Visitors may notice staff carrying out quick inspections of black bags after the council found that more than 48 per cent of the waste being thrown away could instead be recycled or reused.
The council says the checks will also help identify hazardous items, including batteries, vapes and gas canisters, which pose a significant fire risk when placed in general waste.
Officials say the inspections are designed to improve safety, reduce disposal costs and ensure valuable materials are not unnecessarily sent to landfill.
Residents are also being reminded that recycling has become easier, with many items accepted through kerbside collections, while all Waste and Recycling Centres now offer additional recycling options, including hard plastic skips.
Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, Cllr Rhys Sinnett, said: “Pembrokeshire has some of the highest recycling rates in Wales and we want to keep it that way.
“These increased checks are not about causing an inconvenience to centre users, it is to ensure that incorrectly disposed of items do not put the safety of WRC staff at risk. These items also cost tax payers more to dispose of when not dealt with correctly.”
The council says staff have discovered a range of unexpected items in black bags, including an oven, a car battery and gas cylinders. It is reminding residents that bulky, electrical and hazardous items should never be placed in general waste.
People visiting a Waste and Recycling Centre are encouraged to sort their waste before arriving to help speed up visits and support Pembrokeshire’s high recycling rates.
The council is also reminding residents never to dispose of batteries or vapes in black bags because of the serious fire risk they present.
