New collection scheme in Carmarthen doubles recycling rate

In 2003 Carmarthenshire had a recycling rate of 12%, but the introduction of a blue box recyclable collection system has seen the council achieve a recycling rate of 25% in the second quarter of 2004.

” Information and quality of service has been our key to successful take-up.“
– Hywel Thomas, Carmarthenshire CC
Hywel Thomas, principal waste officer for Carmarthenshire county council, said: “Without doubt the boxes have been welcomed, our projected targets for usage were based around 65% of homes taking part in the scheme and 50% take up. In fact the actual participation level is 90%.”

The county had based their expected results on Newport Waste Savers who claim that of the residents that the scheme is offered to only 65% will take part on any given week. Out of that 65% only 50% will actually place the box out for collection.

Carmarthenshire's system allows anything recyclable to be accepted in its collection box, the council said that unlike many councils it accepts all plastics, paper and card. The council has fully implemented its scheme to 24,000 homes in the borough.

Aim
Commenting on the scheme Mr Thomas said: “We reviewed several kerbside collection schemes and set ourselves a straight-forward aim. Anything we went for had to be simple for the user and simple for the council. With that in mind we arrived at a single box system.”

The blue box was supplied by Worcestershire-based waste container manufacturer Taylor. The boxes are 55 litres in size, which the council says is large enough for the amount of collection it expects to receive from each household.

Carmarthenshire is sending out a Christmas card to each participant offering a thank you for the successful implementation of the scheme. The council also issued information packs to its residents throughout the distribution of the scheme.

Mr Thomas said: “Information and quality of service has been our key to successful take-up. The Taylor bins without a doubt are sturdy and provide high visibility when positioned on the kerbside, they have almost achieved status symbol level for those that don't have them.”