Cardiff’s disappointing recycling figures have led local councils to propose various waste collection reforms in a bid to avoid European Union imposed fines.
The capital’s recycling rate has fallen below national average, dropping to 50% – a 2% decline since 2011/12 . The Welsh government has set the 2016 recycling target at 58%. If the target is unmet, Cardiff council could face up to £21m in fines under European legislation.
Local councils have been struggling to find solutions to meet the recycling targets amid continuing austerity. Proposed changes to the Cardiff’s Waste Management Strategy have included pushing black bin bag collection from fortnightly to monthly, smaller wheelie bins, and a separation of glass from paper recyclables. The proposals have sparked debate among politicians and residents alike.