Council to ‘wheel’ in new bin collections

 

Powys County Council has been forced to react to a startling new figure that showed Powys is recycling just 38% of its waste, well short of the 52% target set by the Welsh Government for 2012/13.

 

And while no cost has been revealed for the new service, it is expected to be substantial with every household receiving new containers and wheely bins with new equipment required to collect them. However, the council says that these extra costs are a fraction of what the potential fine would be.

 

It is unclear what role current recycling organisations Cae Post and Cwm Harry will play after initial fears they could be dropped, but the council says it will be working with them in some capacity.

 

The new scheme could start as early as this summer.

 

The council says this new method has seen rates in Ystradgynlais increase by 150%, and in the first week of the new collections in Brecon the amount of residual waste going into landfill sites was halved. It will also be implemented in Radnorshire from February.

 

Councillor Ken Harris, Powys County Council’s Cabinet member for Waste said: “If we fail to act responsibly and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill dramatically, we will be fined heavily. We intend to ensure that Powys council is not fined, which is why we are putting so much effort into increasing recycling in all parts of the county.

 

“Currently we recycle 38% of waste in the county. If we fail to reach the 52% target we will be fined approximately £2.7 million which far outweighs the cost of implementing this scheme, which will have to be met by council taxpayers.”

 

The council says it will assess each property before delivering the new wheely bins with flats expected to receive a roll of sacks instead.