Swansea Council recently announced that garden waste collection will not be carried out from December 2 to February 28. This decision means that residents in Swansea will need to hold on to their garden waste bags during the winter period, as the kerbside collections will be put on hold for three months. The council has urged residents to use recycling centres as an alternative means to dispose of their grass and hedge clippings, as well as small branches, during this period.
Cyril Anderson, Swansea Council’s cabinet member for community, explained that the trial to halt garden waste collections during the winter was conducted to evaluate its impact on residents. The council found that only around 5% of households in Swansea made use of the garden waste collection service during the winter months. With a significant increase in household recycling during the festive season and January, the council believes that redirecting resources from garden waste collections to other recycling and waste services will help manage the higher volumes efficiently.
During the temporary suspension of garden waste collections, all council-run recycling centres will remain open for residents to dispose of their garden waste. This decision to halt kerbside collection aims to alleviate the pressure on collection crews and ensure that other waste services run smoothly during the busy winter period. Residents who wish to dispose of garden waste can still do so at the recycling centres. Swansea Council has emphasised that it will provide assistance to residents looking to get rid of any household waste during this time.
Last year’s trial period of suspending garden waste collections during winter provided insights that informed this decision. The council’s proactive approach aims to streamline waste management services and maintain efficiency during peak periods of recycling and waste disposal. Residents are encouraged to stay updated with the council’s waste management protocols and utilise the available recycling facilities to manage their garden waste responsibly.