Plea to residents to use litter bins correctly

RESIDENTS in Carmarthenshire are being urged not to put general waste in the recycling section of the council’s street litter recycling bins.

The bins have two separate sections – one for general litter and the other for paper, cans and plastic bottles making it easier for recycling. There is also an ashtray on top as well as chewing gum disposal.

The bins have been installed in towns across the county as well as in the National Botanic Garden of Wales and will help to increase the county’s recycling rate and reduce the amount of rubbish going to landfill.

However, staff emptying the bins said the recycling section is contaminated with general litter, including food waste.

Now residents are being reminded to please use the correct sections.

Executive Board Member for the Environment Cllr Philip Hughes said: “We must do our best to recycle as much of our waste as possible so it is vital people co-operate by making sure they put their recyclable litter in the right section.

“If these bins are used correctly I’m sure it will help to increase our recycling rate and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.”

Carmarthenshire recycled/composted 43% of its waste during 2010/11 but must achieve 52% by 2012/13 and 70% by 2025. There are also strict targets on how much waste can be landfilled or there could be hefty fines.