Merthyr Tydfil is facing a bit of a recycling hurdle! The council recently missed the 70% recycling target set by the Welsh Government for the 2024/2025 year, landing at 66.3%, which could mean a hefty £192,000 fine. Yet, not all is gloomy—this is actually a 2.04% improvement over previous years. So, what’s going on?
A study revealed that 52% of materials in Merthyr’s wheelie bins could still be recycled, including a large amount of food waste. In response, the council has been working on a trade waste acceptance scheme and has launched various initiatives, like doorstep campaigns and educational visits for students, to boost recycling awareness.
Despite some improvement, Merthyr is still grappling with recycling 52% of waste that ends up in regular bins. Future plans to tackle this include collecting specific items like absorbent hygiene products and plastic film separately. This strategy aims not only to meet the 70% goal but also to contribute to Wales’ zero waste aim by 2050.
To put some numbers on it, recycling efforts last year saw an additional 1,728 tonnes processed compared to the prior year, with noticeable increases in garden and food waste recycling. Plus, the council’s new waste strategy, developed with WRAP and local partners, aims to ensure further strides towards sustainability.
Every step counts in the recycling race! What’s your take—keen to recycle more and help your local council reach new heights? Let’s keep the dialogue going and share your thoughts on how we can all make Merthyr a shining star of sustainability! 🌍💚