There will be some changes to the waste collection service in Monmouthshire over the next couple of months:
there will be a charge to collect garden waste
we will collect two bags of general waste from each household every fortnight
black bags will be replaced with clear bags
We understand that this is a major change and that you may have some questions. We hope that this blog helps to explain things.
Why are we making these changes?
Most people recognise the need to reduce the amount of rubbish we all produce. The environment depends on it. Yet, around 70% of rubbish chucked in black bags can be recycled. We shouldn’t be sending this stuff to landfill. We spend a massive £3 million a year on landfill. That’s a huge bill and we need to reduce it.
Making these changes will make us greener and save us money. Green waste is expensive to collect and can be treated at home.
Changes to collecting garden waste
From 1st July, our garden waste service will become a ‘pay to use service’ with households paying £8 per reusable bag. This cost includes weekly collection of garden waste for a year – that works out at roughly 15p per week. The reusable bags are weighted and made of a hardy canvas. From June, you can buy a bag online or over the phone and it will be delivered to you.
If you do not wish to use this service, you will still be able to take your garden waste to one of our recycling sites for free. You can also apply for a subsidised home composter by calling 01884 841515.
Changes to collecting general rubbish
From 1st July, we will collect two bags of general rubbish from each household every fortnight. We’re doing this so we can reduce the amount of rubbish going to landfill and increase recycling. The previous black bags will be replaced by clear bags.
If five or more people live in your home, please contact us and let us know so we can give you more clear bags.
In June, a recycling information pack will be sent to your home. It will give you advice on how you can reduce waste and recycle more.
There are no changes to other recycling services (red and purple bags, food collections etc).
Rachel Jowitt; Waste Strategy Manager