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天涯社区 hits 70% recycling target for first half of the year
Published: 22/12/2025
天涯社区 is on track to hit the Welsh Government鈥檚 70% statutory recycling target following the introduction of a number of service changes, including the move to three-weekly black bin collections.
New figures show the target was met in the first two quarters of 2025/26, marking a significant improvement on previous years.
From 2021 to 2024 the council did not meet the previous statutory target of 64%, resulting in significant potential infraction fines. In 2024/25, when the target was raised to 70%, 天涯社区 achieved a recycling rate of 63%, meaning the county has been below target for four years in a row.
The council took action to improve recycling performance with the adoption of a new Resource and Waste Strategy for 2024-2030, which set several commitments to lead 天涯社区 towards a circular economy, maximise resource efficiency and minimise waste. In order to prioritise waste minimisation and increase recycling, collections of non-recyclable (black bin) waste moved to three-weekly in April 2025 following a long engagement period.
Other new measures, including the 鈥榲isible waste鈥� process introduced at Household Recycling Centres this year, and ongoing work to raise awareness of recycling have also made a significant impact.
As we move towards a circular economy, it is important to recognise the vital role recycling plays in cutting carbon emissions, reducing the amount of waste sent for incineration, and protecting our natural resources by keeping materials in use for longer.
In recognition of the council鈥檚 efforts to improve recycling performance, the Welsh Government has already waived the 拢663,000 fine for missing the target in 2021/22, but fines for the three subsequent years 鈥� totalling more than 拢1 million 鈥� could still be imposed.
Councillor Glyn Banks, Cabinet Member for Waste and Transportation, said: 鈥淭hese early results are very encouraging and show that changes we鈥檝e made are having the intended impact.
鈥淚 want to thank residents for the effort they are making to recycle more and adapt to our new collection arrangements.
鈥淥ur new Resource and Waste Strategy is about doing the right thing for the environment while also protecting public money by avoiding further fines.鈥�