Less bin collections and new reuse shops proposed in Powys
Powys County Council will consider a series of new proposals which could see big changes to how bins and waste is managed in the county.
In a paper produced for the Council after a public consultation, changes could include the introduction of 'new or improved reuse facilities, where space allows, within the Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) to make it easier for residents to drop off and purchase re-usable items'.
This would be a large expansion to such facilities with a version of this already being in place at the Salvage Shed and the Waste Not Shop in Newtown.
The council would look to 'engage with local organisations where appropriate to maximise reuse at our sites' with a target of a 'five per cent reuse rate'.
The council will also 'explore options' to 'reduce the frequency' of collection or reduce the capacity of black bins.
This would be to encourage 'greater use of the weekly kerbside recycling service' but that it would 'continue to support households that have and will continue to need additional capacity'.
There would also be an expansion of what could be recycled from the kerbside which could include 'small electricals, textiles, small batteries, and flexible plastics (i.e. plastic bags, wrappings etc)'.
Powys County Council has said it also aims to 'increase the amount of household bulky waste items that we collect for reuse'.
The paper also calls to 'review the types of containers used for collecting recycling at the kerbside' and to 'continue to review market availability for items we cannot currently recycle and, where possible, set up new contracts.'
The paper also considers 'introducing an enforcement policy for residents who consistently refuse to recycle their waste at the kerbside, where other methods of encouraging recycling have not proved effective.'
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It would also tackle fly tipping by delivering 'fair and robust enforcement of waste policies and use legislation to increase participation and combat illegal activities such as fly-tipping, to protect our environment. '
Cllr Jackie Charlton said the plans had been made after thorough discussion with residents in a recent public engagement.
'By carrying out the actions within the strategy, we want to work together with the everyone in Powys to reduce waste, promote reuse and repair, increase recycling,' said Cllr Charlton.
'In doing so, we will continue to keep the views of our communities in mind when making future decisions on service provision across Powys.
'Together we will reduce our environmental impact, lower our carbon footprint, move towards a sustainable circular economy where resources are valued and not discarded, and ensure a greener future for all.'
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