Carmarthenshire residents applauded for recycling efforts

Householders in Carmarthen have increased the amount of rubbish they are recycling.
Recycling advisors have been knocking on doors in the Park Hall, Belvedere Avenue and Tanerdy areas to encourage people to recycle as much of their rubbish as possible.
It followed a monitoring exercise to find out how many residents were using their food bins and putting out blue bags.
As well as offering help and advice to residents, replacement food bins and more blue bags were provided if needed, as well as information booklets and collection calendars.
It has led to an 11% increase in the recycling /composting rate in the Park Hall, Belvedere Avenue and Tanerdy areas.
Recycling Advisor Geinor Lewis said: “By talking to residents we can sort out any issues they may have. From something as simple as not having a green food bin to not knowing when their collection day is or just by explaining how the scheme works and why it is important that we all take part.”
As an incentive to take part in the recycling scheme, householders were entered into a prize draw to win a pair of cinema tickets and a recycling goodie bag.
First prize went to Diane Lewis of Greenhill Close and Mark Thomas of Belvedere Avenue won the goodie bag.
Diane said: “I have always recycled but I didn’t like using the food bin. Since having the liners though I find it much better and I will carry on using it.”
Residents were also asked for feedback and thanks to their suggestions a new glass bank has been provided at Park Hall near Ty Hapus.
The project forms part of the South West Wales Materials Efficiency project with Pembrokeshire County Council and is funded by the European Regional Development Fund, through the Welsh Government.
Executive Board Member for Street Scene Cllr Colin Evans said: “I am delighted with the increase in the amount of rubbish being recycled and food being composted by residents in these areas.
“The recycling advisors are doing a fantastic job by getting out into the community and supporting residents.
“It is important we do all we can to increase our recycling rate and I am sure that if we all work together we can really make a difference.”
The council is currently recycling around 55% of its rubbish but must reach a target of 70% by 2025. Failure to do so could result in large financial penalties.