Confusion over green bin rules crackdown

A RECYCLING crackdown has left homeowners in Cardiff confused and has led to reports of bins not being collected.

Some residents have taken to social media to voice their frustration over what they claim is a “mixed message” about cardboard recycling. Under current regulations, cardboard must not be put in garden waste – even though it is included on the list of acceptable items engraved on older green bins.

Although the rule was put in place in 2011, Rhiwbina councillor Jayne Cowan said cardboard had been collected in garden waste until the last couple of months.

Cardiff council has said it will take cardboard in garden waste until the end of August as part of a campaign to inform residents of the changes.

Coun Cowan said: “There’s been so much confusion over the last couple of months. I have had lots of constituents saying the council have categorically refused to take bins. There have been mixed messages, the lack of consistency is really annoying.”

She said that while booklets explaining the change were issued in 2011 and on social media, residents who have moved to the area may be unaware.

She said: “It’s one of big issues in Rhiwbina. People like to recycle and they have big gardens. It’s not a case of people being irresponsible. People are confused and annoyed.”

Becky Stewart, 40, from Pentwyn, said: “I’ve always put cardboard in the green bin and until a couple of weeks ago it’s been collected with no issues.

“Then they refused to collect the bin and told me that it had to go in recycling bags.

“I’ve had no communication from the council about change in the rules so yes it’s been very confusing.”

Heath councillor Lyn Hudson said a lack of communication has left her unsure what to tell her constituents.

She said: “Cardboard was taken in the past [with garden waste] so I never knew there was a problem. I don’t know what they’re playing at.

“It’s confusing for me and I should have the information to pass on to residents. It’s turned into a huge problem when it could have been sorted.”

A Cardiff council spokesman said: “Historically, we have asked residents to put cardboard in the green bin, as it is biodegrades with the green garden waste to make compost. Since this time, the market to recycle cardboard has increased, so we are asking all residents to put cardboard in their green bags.

“The cardboard is then sorted at the Materials Reclamation Facility at Lamby Way, bailed and then sold for re-use. Recycling markets evolve and the council is committed to maximising the value from each product that we collect and process to get best value for the taxpayer.”

A communication campaign is advising residents to put cardboard in green recycling bags. The change will come into effect after August 28.