Hike in waste charges

Residents are facing a hike in prices for waste bags from Powys County Council in an attempt to get more people recycling.

The council said it has undertaken a review of its pricing structure and from April 1 the charges for purple rubbish sacks, garden waste sacks, bulky waste collection service and compost bins will increase, with 26 purple waste bags costing £51.88 - up from £45.91.

Councillor John Powell, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, said: “The new kerbside recycling scheme provides households with either a wheeled bin for their leftover non-recyclable waste which is collected fortnightly or the equivalent capacity in purple rubbish sacks.

“If residents feel they are struggling with their waste, please get in contact with the council who will assist you to reduce your waste and recycle as much as possible.

He added: “Garden waste can be recycled by residents free of charge at their local community recycling site or household waste recycling centre.

“However, if a resident is not able to or chooses not to use these facilities, the council provides a kerbside collection service for garden waste.”

The council is also cutting the number of bulky items it collects from homes.

Cllr Powell said: “The council also provides a bulky waste collection to residents. The number of items that can be collected has been reduced from up to six items to up to three items for £25 as residents have the option of taking bulky household waste items to their nearest household waste recycling centre free of charge.”

Phoenix Community Furniture Scheme Ltd collects good quality donated furniture, household effects and electrical items from Powys residents free of charge - http://www.phoenixcfl.co.uk/.

“Compost bins are available to the public to encourage home composting and the council can provide these at a subsidised cost of £20 delivered to the household.

He added: “We urge residents to stop and think about items before you throw them away, the council faces very strict recycling targets set by Welsh Government which will result in costly fines if not met. Your contribution matters to help reduce the risk of financial penalties on the council as well as the wider environmental benefits.”  
                                                 Charges:  2014/15         /     2015/16 
Domestic Purple sacks            £45.91 – roll of 26  / £51.88 – roll of 26
(including VAT & delivery)        £22.96 – roll of 13  / £25.94 – roll of 13
Garden Waste Sacks               £12.00 – roll of 10  / £13.56 – roll of 10
delivered (including VAT)
Bulky Waste Collections          £25 up to 6 items  / £25 up to 3 items
(including VAT) 
Sale of Compost Bins              £15 delivered        /  £20 delivered
(including VAT)