Draft Waste and Recycling Strategy Consultation

Why the need to change?

Caerphilly, like all councils in Wales, is working towards a Welsh Government target for ‘overall zero waste’ by 2050. With that, come challenging recycling targets for councils.

The current target councils must meet is 64%, increasing to a 70% recycling target. Caerphilly’s recycling performance is currently at 59% - well below the target set by Welsh Government.

This means the council is at real risk of having to pay significant fines (around £200,000 per percentage point below the target) for not reaching the performance targets.

Caerphilly currently:

• Has the highest level of residual waste (refuse) per person in Wales.
• Almost half the contents of our residual waste (refuse) bins contain material that could be recycled.

Quite simply, doing nothing is not an option.

The draft Waste and Recycling Strategy has been developed to outline how the Council, working with its residents could meet the Welsh Government statutory recycling targets of 70% and work towards zero waste by 2050.

The overarching aim is to reduce the total volume of residual waste collected by encouraging people to recycle more of their waste. Ultimately this will allow us to work towards a Circular Economy, reduce carbon footprint and become more resource efficient.

This is so important to us and so important to you and our future generations, so we would really appreciate it if you could take the time to offer us your views on these proposals – as we can only meet these targets if we work together.

It is clear we cannot make the required step changes alone and a collective effort from residents, the workforce and the wider community will be essential to reduce consumption and improve resource management in Caerphilly. As a public body we will ensure we work with our communities to protect the long-term impact of our decisions in line with the Well-Being and Future Generations Act (2015) and the Environment Act (2021).

Ways to give your views

A paper copy of the survey is being sent to all households via Newsline.

You may also complete the survey online.

Mae'r arolwg hwn ar gael yn Gymraeg. Mae ar gael mewn ieithoedd a fformatau eraill ar gais. This survey is available in Welsh. It is available in other languages and formats on request.

Call in for a catch up at one of the following informal drop-in sessions:

• Aberbargoed Library ,Tuesday 27th February 4pm-6pm
• Risca Library, Wednesday 28th February 3pm-5pm
• Llanbradach Library, Friday 1st March 10:30am-12:30pm
• Nelson Library, Monday 4th March 10am-12pm
• Penallta House, Wednesday 6th March 12 midday – 2pm
• Abercarn Library, Wednesday 6th March 4pm-6pm
• Bargoed Library, Tuesday 12th March 4:30pm-6:30pm
• Risca Tesco, Wednesday 13th March 5pm-7pm
• Newbridge Library, Thursday 14th March 10am-12pm
• Caerphilly Library, Saturday 16th March 10am-12pm
• Abertridwr Library, Monday 18th March 10am-12pm
• Oakdale Library, Wednesday 20th March 2pm-4pm
• Ystrad Mynach Library, Thursday 21st March 10am-12pm
• Bargoed Morrisons, Thursday 11th April 11am-1pm
• Bedwas Library, Saturday 13th April 10am-12pm
• Ystrad Mynach Tesco, Monday 15th April 12pm-2pm
• Blackwood Library, Tuesday 16th April 10am-12pm
• Caerphilly Morrisons, Wednesday 17th April 2pm-4pm
• Machen Village Hall, Thursday 18th April 4pm-6pm
• Rhymney Library, Monday 22nd April 10am-12pm
• New Tredegar Library, Wednesday 24th April 10:30am-12:30pm

Attend an online session and have a chat to the team at one of the following:

• Thursday 7th March 1pm-3pm
• Tuesday 19th March 4pm-6pm
• Wednesday 10th April 10am-12pm
• Tuesday 23rd April 4pm – 6pm

To attend one of these sessions, please e-mail publicengagement@caerphilly.gov.uk with your preferred date.

Enquiries

Residents who have any specific requirements such as access, hearing loop, require translation facilities or wish to use the Welsh language at any of the drop in sessions are asked to contact the team at publicengagement@caerphilly.gov.uk or by calling 01443 864380.

Date results are expected

Please return your survey by 29th April 2024 so that we can ensure your responses are included in the report for consideration by Cabinet.