Recycling advisor gets to know residents

THE council’s new community recycling advisor has been getting to know residents in Llanelli’s Penyfan area.

Geinor Lewis went along to a meeting of the Penyfan and Llwynwhilwg Tenants and Residents Association (PLTRA) along with council housing officer Mark Westcott.

She spoke to members about the work she is carrying out in the area which is aimed at encouraging more people to take part in the council’s recycling scheme.

Geinor and colleagues have been monitoring participation in the green bin/blue bag scheme and then visiting householders to find out why they are not recycling and if there is anything they can do to help them.

They carry a stock of replacement food bins and extra blue bags as well as information booklets and collection calendars.

Geinor said: “By talking to residents I can sort out any issues they may have from something as simple as not having a green food bin to not knowing when their collection day is or just by explaining how the scheme works and why it is important that we all take part.

“It was great to meet the members of the association to tell them all about what we are doing and why. They were very supportive and I hope they can help spread the word amongst other residents.”

The council has received funding from the European Regional Development Fund, through the Welsh Government, for Geinor’s post.

The aim of the project is to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and increase the county’s recycling / composting rate.

PLTRA Secretary David Skivington said: “It was great to meet Geinor, the visit was very useful and very informative and we hope to work very closely with her to help promote recycling in the area.”

The county is hoping to reach a 52% recycling figure by April this year but must work hard if it is to reach the next Welsh Government target of 58% by 2015/16 and ultimately 70% by 2025. Failure to do so could result in large financial penalties.

Executive Board Member for Street Scene Cllr Colin Evans said: “Geinor is doing a fantastic job by getting out into the community and helping residents to recycle. I am sure that if we all work together and do our bit we can increase our recycling rate.”

For further information on recycling please visit www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/recycling.

CAPTION: Recycling advisor Geinor Lewis gives advice on recycling to Penyfan and Llwynwhilwg Tenants and Residents Association members Pat Inglis and David Skivington with council housing officer Mark Westcott.

Pic: Jeff Connell.