Millions of plastic bags to be scrapped as Swansea recycling shake‑up approved
According to the council, the shake‑up will see residents given new reusable containers, including a hard‑plastic caddy for glass and cans and a resealable sack for paper and card. The authority says the changes are designed to reduce waste, improve recycling performance and support Swansea in continuing to meet the Welsh Government’s statutory 70% recycling target.
The council also says it intends to scrap the current £2.50 charge for garden waste sacks, with new bags to be provided free of charge in future.
Officials describe the measures as part of an “intermediate programme” ahead of a longer‑term Waste Strategy, which they say will be developed later.
A trial collecting soft plastics from around 20% of homes will continue, with the council stating it will seek Welsh Government funding for upgrades at its Baling Plant to allow the service to expand city‑wide.
Cabinet members have also approved further trials of kerbside collections for small electrical items and textiles. The council says this is intended to reduce fire risks from discarded batteries and increase recycling opportunities for residents.
The long‑running Keep Recycling Out policy will be refreshed, with the council pointing to recent analysis showing that around half of black‑bag waste could be recycled if separated correctly. A similar update to the “no recyclables in black bags” rule at Household Waste Recycling Centres has also been agreed.
A Swansea recycling worker empties a pink recycling bag into the back of a kerbside collection truck during routine rounds.
(Image: Swansea Council)
Cllr Cyril Anderson, Cabinet Member for Community, said:
“Overall, most 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%.”
But he said too many households are still placing the majority of their waste in black bags instead of separating it for recycling.
Cllr Cyril Anderson said:
“We know there are households who need to do more instead of placing the majority of their household waste in black bags. 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.”
He said the council will develop a longer‑term Waste Strategy in future, but argued that the short‑term measures approved this week will help Swansea remain one of Wales’ best‑performing recycling authorities.
Cllr Cyril Anderson added:
“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 council says the rollout of the new reusable containers is expected to begin in early 2026, alongside wider work to prepare for changes to national waste legislation and future infrastructure needs.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Swansea households set for major recycling shake‑up
Our earlier report on the new containers and free garden waste sacks.
Sketty school leads charge in battery recycling competition
Pupils top a Wales‑wide challenge to boost battery recycling.
Neath Port Talbot residents to see changes to recycling collections
Neighbouring council announces its own shake‑up to simplify the system.
Adrian Chiles praises Swansea’s Clyne Recycling Centre
Broadcaster highlights the site as one of the best he’s visited.
#CllrCyrilAnderson #plasticBags #Recycling #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil
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