Nappies to be collected in innovative Welsh pilot

The pilot, which is the first of its kind in Wales, will benefit 2500 households in the Gurnos, and Galon Uchaf areas of Merthyr.

Residents will receive a weekly collection of dry recyclable materials and food waste based on the Welsh Government’s preferred kerbside sort approach and a fortnightly collection of residual waste.

A further vehicle will collect small electrical items, batteries, textiles and footwear. It will also offer collections of nappies and incontinence pads making it one of the first places in the country to offer such a service. The nappies will be sent to an as-yet-unnamed recycling facility in the UK.

At 35%, Merthyr currently has one of the lowest recycling and composting rates in Wales. The Welsh Government hopes the extra funding will help to drive recycling rates in some parts of the authority up to 70% by 2019 and dramatically reduce local reliance on general residual waste collections.

3GS

The trial, known as the 3Gs Zero Waste project, is being delivered through a partnership between Merthyr Tydfil county borough council, the Welsh community recycling network Cylch and the 3Gs Development Trust.

The 3Gs Development Trust is a community regeneration organisation that serves the communities in the Gurnos, Galon Uchaf and Penydarren area in Merthyr Tydfil. It is a community owned and community led organisation.

The project is also supported by wardens who will be on hand to answer questions on the purpose of the scheme and to help residents to get to grips with the new system.

Targets

Welsh environment minister John Griffiths said: The Welsh Government has set out ambitious targets for recycling. We are working towards 70% recycling by 2025 and zero waste by 2050. Thanks to the hard work of local authorities and residents we are making great progress in this area.

The pilot that I am announcing will test whether this innovative kerbside sort method can help to deliver 70% recycling here in Merthyr. I am optimistic that Welsh Government investment in this pioneering project could drive recycling rates in the affected communities up to levels that will rival some of the highest performing areas in Wales.

This project demonstrates how the Welsh Government is working to help Wales becoming a zero waste nation.”