Blue bags wait goes on for residents

IT’S been planned for months – but many people have still not received the blue rubbish bags or recycling containers needed for Bridgend’s controversial new waste scheme that started on Monday.

It looks like they will have to continue to use black sacks for the time being, despite the new see-through blue bags being a vital part of Bridgend council’s strategy.

The new waste contract with Kier caps most households in the county at two rubbish bags per fortnight in a bid to increase recycling.

All households should have been issued with new recycling containers, food waste bags and a roll of blue bags.

Residents who signed up for the absorbent hygiene product (AHP)/ nappy collection service should also have been issued with purple bags.

But many people report they have not received the correct bags and phone calls and emails to Kier and Bridgend council go unanswered.

As many collection days have also been changed, some residents have expressed concerns that they now face a one-off three-week wait between rubbish pickups.

One resident of the Wildmill estate in Bridgend said on Monday that no one there has received the blue bags, despite contractor Kier “insisting that we have”.

The 24-year-old mum-of-one, who does not want to be named, also said she cannot put her recycling out for collection either as the communal recycling bins they have instead of individual containers are “rammed” – as they have not been emptied – and are now overflowing.

“The whole of Wildmill is complaining to the council,” she said.

“The recycling bins are not being emptied enough and there is rubbish blooming everywhere.”

Sarah-Jayne Davies, from Pencoed, added: “Still waiting for the purple bags. I emailed a few weeks ago and didn’t get a response so I rang (spoke) to someone didn’t really seem to care and was told ‘they’ll be with you shortly.’ Shortly? How long is a piece of string?”

Michelle Dollard, from Kenfig Hill, was among the 200+ commenting on a post on the Facebook page of our sister title the Glamorgan Gazette, when residents were asked about their experiences. She said: “Sick of emailing and ringing! Still haven’t had a food bin or nappy bag! So annoying!!!”

However, some people said they had not experienced any problems with the new scheme and say they are managing to keep within the two-bag limit.

Rhiannon Watts posted on Facebook: “I’m waiting till (sic) the next blue bag collection to decide but this first collection went well and I’m kinda eating my own words saying it wouldn’t work.”

Jonathan Thomas said: “All bags delivered, two non-recyclable bags every two weeks for a family of five adults seems to be okay (so far).”

Bridgend council has been for comment. contacted