Students heading out of city targeted in recycling drive

A recycling drive is under way in Swansea to ensure students living in the city don’t miss their waste collections before college is over for the summer.

Thousands of students will be departing the city when end of term arrives in the coming months.

Recycling officers in Swansea Council have sent more than 1,500 letters to the homes of many of the students living in rented accommodation, reminding them of refuse and recycling collection dates leading up to the end of term.

Special web pages have also been put together giving students handy tips about recycling and what to do before they pack up and leave.

Mark Thomas, Cabinet Member for Environment & Transportation, said: “End of term is a busy time for students. Many are moving back to their homes elsewhere in the country after completing their studies.

“In many cases, the students tend to have a clear out and put everything out all at once which places huge demands on the collection crews and can leave streets looking very messy.

“Our aim is to get in touch with students early enough so that they have plenty of opportunity to dispose of anything they are not planning to take with them. It can be anything from household waste and recycling to larger items that they may need to dispose of at a recycling centre.”

The Council is also getting in touch with letting agencies and universities to ensure tenants and students get the message.

Cllr Thomas added: “Our message to students is – don’t leaving everything until the last day. Start thinking about what to want to get rid of now and help us keep our communities clean and litter free.”

For more information on recycling – students can visit www.swansea.gov.uk/studentrecycling