Christmas recycling rate at two-year high

CHRISTMAS recycling rates in the capital are at a two-year high, according to recent figures released by the council.

Over the festive period, residents put out more recycling for collection than in the two previous years.

A total of 3,195 tonnes of recycled waste was collected at the end of last year, compared to 3,034 tonnes in 2015 and 2,564 tonnes in 2014.

Smaller general waste bins and a restriction on how many bags can be put out for collection have been linked to the increase in recycling rates.

Councillor Bob Derbyshire, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “These figures are very encouraging, and I hope all residents continue to recycle and compost as much of their waste as possible in the new year.

“We have invested significantly in the infrastructure to increase recycling and we are continuing to do so.”

The increase coincides with a recent study by Viridor which places Cardiff as the most active city for recycling in the UK – higher than London, Manchester and Glasgow.

The council’s recycling rate is cur- rently 58.1% and it continues to strive towards the challenging recycling target of 64% by 2019/20.

This year will welcome a number of new facilities to help the council reach this goal.

A food processing plant in Tremorfa will turn food waste into green energy.

The joint venture between the city council and Vale of Glamorgan council will produce biogas which can be burned to create electricity or processed into fuel.

A new reuse centre is also planned and said to be preferably located in the north of the city.

Meanwhile, the Lamby Way recycling depot is to be redeveloped to deal with garden waste and improve its Household Waste Recycling Centre.

Coun Derbyshire added: “As well as the recyclable materials which are put out in green bags, we are keen to recycle other household items.

“Electrical items should be brought [to] any of the Household Waste Recycling Centres, shredded paper should be put in the green bin and clothes put out through our new free bulky collection service.”