EditorSwansea households set for major recycling shake‑up as council plans new containers and free garden waste sacks
A new report heading to Swansea Council’s Cabinet reveals plans to ditch the 10 million single‑use green sacks currently used every year for glass, cans, paper and card. In their place, households would receive hard plastic caddies for glass and cans, along with a resealable sack for paper and card — a move the council says will make recycling easier and cut down on waste.
If approved, the changes could start appearing on streets as early as May.
The report also confirms the council wants to scrap the £2.50 charge for garden waste sacks, making them free for residents in future — a move likely to prove popular ahead of the summer gardening season.
Behind the scenes, the council is also looking at expanding what can be collected from the kerbside. A trial of soft plastics recycling is already underway, covering around 20% of Swansea homes. But to roll it out city‑wide, upgrades are needed at the council’s Baling Plant, and funding bids have been submitted to the Welsh Government.
Other materials could soon join the list too, including small electricals and textiles. The council says this would help tackle the growing problem of items like vapes, which contain batteries and can spark fires when dumped in black bags.
The push comes as the council continues its “Keep recycling out” campaign, after sample checks found some black bags still contain up to 50% recyclable waste.
Cabinet Member for Community Cyril Anderson said most residents are doing their bit — but others need to step up.
“Overall, residents are doing a great job by using our kerbside recycling collection service. Many are recycling as much as they can and this is why we continue to meet the Welsh Government recycling target of 70%.
We also know there are households who need to do more instead of placing the majority of their household waste in black bags.”
He said the council’s focus is now on making the system easier, greener and better value.
“That is why we are looking at our own service and looking at ways to make it easier for residents, better for the environment and better value for money.
There is a need to develop our longer‑term Waste Strategy and that will happen in the future. In the short term, we are looking at a number of things that can be introduced that I hope will keep Swansea as one of the best performing councils in Wales in terms of recycling.”
The long‑term Waste Strategy was paused last year while the council dealt with day‑to‑day operational issues, but the new interim plans are expected to shape how Swansea handles household waste for years to come.
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Sanjay K Mohindroo
Sanjay Mohindroo
Sanjay Mohindroo
Waste Badger
SydneyJim
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