Recycling rates in Carmarthenshire reach 64%

RECYCLING rates in Carmarthenshire have soared to their highest ever level.

Provisional figures released for 2015/16 show we are recycling approximately 64% of our rubbish here in Carmarthenshire, way over the 58% target set by Welsh Government for local authorities, and a four per cent increase on the previous year.

The all Wales recycling figure is 60%.

The Statistics for Wales report show the combined reuse, recycling and composting rates for all local authorities in Wales.

Executive Board Member for the Environment Cllr Hazel Evans said: “Recycling rates in Carmarthenshire are continuing to rise and I am delighted that we have not only met but very much exceeded the target set by Welsh Government.

“I would like to thank and congratulate residents for all their efforts. We have come a long way since 2003 when we were recycling just 9.4% of our rubbish, and we could not have achieved this figure without the co-operation of householders.”

The council is taking delivery of a new fleet of refuse collection vehicles in the autumn. Costing approximately £4million, it includes 28 new vehicles, and the majority will have a separate pod at the front to keep food waste separate from blue / black bags.

Collection routes across the county will also be changing which means some households could be affected by a change in collection day or blue / black bag week. Those affected will be notified by post in October.

The aim is to provide a more efficient service to the public and also help us to increase our recycling rates further.

Cllr Evans added: “A large number of households will be affected by changes to their bin collections, however, we will do our best to keep disruption to a minimum as much as possible. The good news is that the new vehicles, together with the new collection routes, will result in a much improved service for residents and help us recycle even more to assist us to achieve the 70% recycling target by 2024/25.”

You can check if your collection day / week is changing by visiting ilocal.carmarthenshire.gov.wales and click on My House.