New pilot initiatives to increase recycling

NEW initiatives are being piloted in Carmarthenshire to help residents recycle more.

They include free semi-clear bags for non-recyclable waste, and starch liners for food waste bins in four trial areas.

The schemes are being introduced at the request of the Executive Board to make it as easy as possible for householders to recycle, and help Carmarthenshire achieve its target of a 52 per cent recycling/composting rate by 2012/13.

The starch liners will be provided to 8,000 households as a trial to discover whether it would increase the amount of food being collected.

Council leader Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “We have listened to residents and are introducing these pilot schemes to make it easier for people to recycle. We will also be carrying out an extensive consultation regarding recycling and how it could be improved.”

The survey will be carried out in the autumn via Carmarthenshire News, the council website, the local media, the Citizens Panel and 50+ Forum. Recycling officers will also be carrying out door-knocking exercises in some areas.

Blue bags will continue to be provided on an unlimited basis and can either be collected from the council’s Customer Service Centres or various community outlets, or delivered on request free of charge. The semi-clear bags will be available for free collection at all Customer Service Centres.

People can continue to use black bags and /or a mixture of both black and semi-clear bags for non-recyclable waste if they wish.

Executive board member for the environment Councillor Philip Hughes said: “Last year we recycled just over 43% which is very encouraging, but we have a lot of work to do if we are to reach 52%. It is vital we reduce, reuse and recycle instead of just throwing away and I would urge residents to please use their recycling scheme and help us in our drive to become a zero waste county.”

The council is also working with Age Concern Carmarthenshire to help older people with recycling. Volunteers will help collect the blue and semi-clear bags when needed, help people separate their waste and take glass to be recycled.

Older People’s Champion Cllr Kevin Madge said: “This is an excellent initiative which will provide assistance to older people who need support.”