Bridgend County Borough Earns Top Spot in Recycling in Wales
Bridgend county borough has recently been recognised as the leading local authority in Wales for its exceptional recycling efforts. According to figures released by the Welsh Government in October, the area achieved an impressive recycling rate of 73% during the 2023-24 financial year. This marks a significant improvement of 2% from the previous year and a remarkable 17% increase over the past decade. The council spokesperson proudly announced that the borough successfully recycled a total of 39,000 tonnes of waste in the last 12 months.
The breakdown of the recycled materials includes nearly 5,000 tonnes of glass, 11,000 tonnes of organic waste, and 6,000 tonnes of paper. Additionally, more than 9,000 tonnes of waste were processed at community recycling centres. The positive report comes amid ongoing discussions between council officials regarding the future of waste and recycling services in Bridgend. There is a possibility that the council may bring these services in-house after 2026. Furthermore, plans are in place for the replacement and refurbishment of several waste vehicles in the area, with an investment exceeding £1 million.
Councillor Paul Davies of Caerau expressed his delight at the recognition, stating, “To be named as the top local authority in Wales for recycling is a tremendous achievement and reflects our ongoing commitment to improving the recycling process in the county borough.” The Welsh Government’s waste strategy has set statutory targets for local authorities to recycle a minimum of 64% of waste by 2019-20 and 70% by 2024-25. The recent Wales-wide report indicated that 18 of the 22 local authorities have met or exceeded these targets, with 15 of them reporting an increase in their recycling rate compared to the previous year.
However, Cardiff, Caerphilly, Flintshire, and Wrexham were among the four local authorities that did not reach the set targets. The continuous efforts and success of Bridgend county borough in recycling have not gone unnoticed, establishing them as a shining example of effective waste management practices in Wales. As recycling becomes increasingly crucial for sustainability and environmental preservation, the achievement of Bridgend serves as a commendable model for other local authorities to emulate.
The residents of Bridgend county borough also play a pivotal role in the success of the recycling programme. Their active participation and commitment to sorting and recycling waste have significantly contributed to the area’s high recycling rate. The council’s recognition as the top performer in Wales is not only a testament to the dedication of local officials but also highlights the community’s collective effort towards creating a greener and more sustainable environment.
In conclusion, Bridgend’s outstanding performance in recycling exemplifies the positive impact that effective waste management practices can have on a local community and the environment as a whole. With a clear commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement, Bridgend county borough sets a high standard for others to follow in the quest for a cleaner and more ecologically responsible future.
By Lewis Smith, Local Democracy Reporter.