RECYCLING rates in Carmarthenshire have rocketed, beating a statutory recycling target three years early.
Figures released by Welsh Government today show Carmarthenshire residents are recycling over 66% of their rubbish, surpassing a target set for the year 2019/20 of 64%.
It also shows an increase on three per cent in the last 12 months meaning people in Carmarthenshire are recycling more and sending less rubbish to landfill.
During 2016/17, more than 83,500 tonnes of household waste was collected with just over four per cent sent to landfill.
The council’s executive board member for environment, Cllr Hazel Evans, said: “I’m thrilled that recycling rates in Carmarthenshire have once again increased.
The fact that we have already beaten our target three years early is testament to the residents of Carmarthenshire for doing their bit, separating their waste and ensuring the majority of it can be recycled and used again.”
The Welsh Government has set statutory targets for recycling with a 70% target by 2025 and to be a zero waste (100% recycling) nation by 2050. Local authorities that fail to meet the targets could face large financial penalties.
The Landfill Allowances Scheme (LAS) limits the amount of biodegradable municipal waste – such as paper, cardboard and kitchen scraps – that councils are allowed to send to landfill. If councils exceed these limits, it can lead to fines.
Cllr Evans added: “We have a 70% recycling target to reach by 2024/25 so it is important that we continue to keep up the excellent work. We could not have achieved this figure without the cooperation of the residents, however, if we can do a little bit more then we will hopefully meet our target.”
There are four main recycling centres and more than 170 recycling banks across the county.
Eleven waste and tyre amnesties have been scheduled in 2017/2018 for residents who do not live near to a household waste recycling centre.
A new garden waste collection service was introduced earlier this year and provides residents with a 240-litre wheeled bin which emptied every two weeks.
An established door knocking team is proactively working within local communities offering advice and support on how to and recycle as much as possible engaging with residents and community groups to raise awareness on the importance of disposing of their household waste in the correct manner.
Further information about recycling is available on the council’s website, www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales
