Bank holiday waste collection issues have sparked concerns in Carmarthenshire, with Councillor Kevin Madge expressing that the current state of affairs cannot continue. The festive period saw a wave of complaints from residents whose kerbside waste remained uncollected, leading to what was described as a “dismal” experience. While acknowledging the efforts of senior officers in resolving the situation, Councillor Madge emphasised the need for improvement to avoid a repeat at Easter.
The sustainability and climate change scrutiny committee was informed that there is no contractual obligation for refuse staff to work on bank holidays or weekends. This resulted in some employees opting out of weekend or bank holiday shifts, prompting a call for volunteers from cleansing and ground maintenance teams. The council is actively reviewing its bank holiday waste collection procedures and collaborating with trade unions to enhance service delivery.
Christmas collection complaints were not exclusive to Councillor Madge, as Cabinet Member for transport, waste, and infrastructure services, Councillor Edward Thomas, also received an influx of grievances during the holiday season. The council is exploring ways to provide real-time updates on waste collection schedules to prevent further confusion among residents. Despite efforts to address the situation, uncertainties remain about meeting the waste collection needs of over 91,000 households during bank holidays.
To address waste management challenges, Carmarthenshire is transitioning to a four-weekly black bin bag collection cycle starting from autumn 2026, as opposed to the current three-week schedule. However, collections of recyclable materials have been increasing, with a focus on sustainability. The rollout of the new collection regime will be county-wide, aiming to streamline operations based on feedback from councils that have adopted similar strategies.
Councillors Gareth Thomas and Tina Higgins raised concerns about the potential rise in fly-tipping following less frequent black bag collections. Increased incidents of illegal dumping in their wards underscored the importance of effective waste management strategies. The council’s approach to non-recyclers and excessive black bag disposals involves issuing reminders to recycle, offering recycling equipment, conducting home visits, and, in severe cases, issuing fixed penalty notices.
The implementation of a new centralised waste depot and collaboration with waste charity WRAP Cymru are part of the council’s comprehensive plan to enhance waste management practices. As the region prepares for changes in waste collection frequency, concerns about environmental impact and community compliance remain at the forefront of discussions. Amid challenges, including increased instances of fly-tipping and public queries about waste disposal, the council is committed to finding sustainable solutions.
As the local government works towards improving waste collection services and promoting responsible disposal practices, community engagement and awareness are vital components of achieving long-term sustainability goals. The concerted efforts of stakeholders, including council members, residents, and environmental organisations, will play a crucial role in fostering a culture of waste reduction and proper resource management in Carmarthenshire.