Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

A scheme providing residents with free indoor food waste caddy liners is set to be extended following a successful trial, Caerphilly County Borough Council has announced.

The 12-month trial scheme, launched in December 2023, will continue after the council reported a 19% increase in food waste recycling.

The number of free food waste caddies requested by residents has also increased. During the first six months of the trial, indoor caddy requests increased to 5,391 – up from 795 compared to the same period in the previous year.

Outdoor caddy requests also increased from 2,178 to to 6,849, according to the local authority.

The trial is being extended as part of the council’s waste and recycling strategy.

Caerphilly currently has the worst recycling performance in Wales, and the council has around £2.7 million in Welsh Government fines hanging over its head unless it improves.

However, council cabinet member Chris Morgan, who has responsibility for waste, is confident the measures being taken will boost recycling rates.

Cllr Morgan said: “We are thrilled to see the figures from the first year of our free caddy liner trial.

“Food waste currently makes up around 31% of our green general waste bins in the borough. If we could get all of this into the food waste caddy, it would have a huge effect on our recycling rates and the environment.

“A big thank you to all our residents who have made the trial a huge success. Please continue to reduce food waste wherever you can and where this isn’t possible, always recycle”.

Free indoor food waste caddy liners can be ordered online, or collected from libraries and leisure centres, as well as Bedwas Council Offices, Penallta House, Machen rugby club, Blackwood Town Council offices, and Penallta Reuse Shop.