**Welsh Government Proposes Monthly Collection for Black Bin Bags in Bid to Boost Recycling**
Households across Wales could soon see black bin bag collections reduced to just once every three to four weeks under fresh recommendations issued by the Welsh Government. The updated guidelines, aimed at local authorities, advise that less frequent collections will help motivate residents to recycle more while also reducing waste sent to landfill.
In a revised “Collections Blueprint 2025”, the Welsh Government sets out its vision for streamlined and environmentally responsible waste management. The document recommends that black residual waste, which is not suitable for recycling, should be limited to a maximum of 60 litres per household per week. This is a quarter of the capacity of a standard 240-litre wheelie bin, signalling an intentional push to cut down on non-recyclable rubbish.
Officials behind the report argue that, as Welsh communities embrace recycling, the need for frequent black bin bag collections diminishes. “With increased recycling and less material going into disposal,” the blueprint notes, “significantly less residual capacity is needed.” The proposals stop short of mandating changes, but set a clear preference for how councils should approach household waste collection in the coming years.
The recommendations detail an integrated system for waste management—encompassing everything from doorstep recycling collections and household waste sites, to bigger items and litter left in public spaces. The guidance asserts that these services should be run collectively for maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
While the frequency of residual waste collections currently varies across Wales, with Cardiff offering fortnightly pick-ups and areas like Conwy only collecting once every four weeks, the Welsh Government is keen to encourage greater consistency. One fresh element is a suggestion for councils to consider weighing household waste as part of their residual collections—providing more accurate data and helping authorities manage waste streams more actively.
The blueprint also discusses how councils should support households with greater waste needs, setting out the necessity for clear policies and enforcement to ensure fairness and compliance. Alongside this, the guidance mentions other key areas such as nappy collections, garden waste, and proper management of bulky item disposal.
When it comes to recycling, the Welsh Government continues to prioritise separation and quality. Dry recyclables—including paper, plastics, glass, metals, and cartons—should be sorted at the kerbside, not mixed together, according to the blueprint. Weekly collections are encouraged, and the hope is that inspection of recycling containers at pick-up will keep contamination to a minimum, with contaminated items rejected and residents alerted immediately.
Households may also see greater provision of “preferably reusable, dry recycling containers”, making it easier to separate different materials. The government guidance goes further to encourage the establishment of repair and reuse shops, and urges council recycling centres to target at least 85% rates for recycling and reusing incoming materials.
This push for greener waste policy comes as Wales has established itself as a recycling champion—topping UK tables and currently ranked second in the world, just behind Austria. Officials note that the amount of household material recycled, reused, or composted is at an all-time high, with 15 of Wales’ 22 local authorities already providing the recommended collection service and more set to join.
Suggestions for improved litter management, including segregated public bins and clearer signage, also form part of the government’s vision to make recycling second nature, even on the go.
Nonetheless, the proposals are not without critics. Welsh Conservative MS Janet Finch-Saunders called for a simplified waste collection regime, questioning whether increasing council tax while scaling back some services was fair to residents and businesses. She argued residents should not be “asked to do more with less” and urged regulations to streamline the system.
A spokesperson for the Welsh Government defended the changes, crediting their approach with the country’s impressive global recycling ranking. “Our environment, economy and local authorities all benefit,” the spokesperson said, highlighting reductions in emissions, less reliance on raw materials, cost savings on waste disposal, and more recyclable materials returning to the economy.
As the debate continues, it is clear that Wales is preparing to lead the charge in waste reduction and recycling innovation, seeking to balance environmental goals with the practicalities faced by communities across the country.