Caerphilly County Borough Council has been commended for reducing the food waste it sends to landfill.
Each year, households in the county borough produce 7,000 tonnes of food waste. Latest figures from the Welsh Government suggest that in March 2012, 56% of all waste in Caerphilly was recycled or composted.
At the recent Plant and Waste Recycling Show (PAWRS), the local authority was presented with a Food Waste Award which recognised its efforts in reducing food waste to landfill.
Organisers of the awards said: “Caerphilly’s highly dedicated waste management team work hard to ensure they maximise recycling, divert waste from landfill and meet challenging Welsh Government targets.
“A range of initiatives have been set up to maximise food waste recycling in collaboration with their green minded residents and dedicated schools. An depth study, guidance and consultation with the public have resulted in a large increase in food waste recycling. The involvement of all schools in the borough has helped to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill, making them the winner of the food waste award 2012. We wish Caerphilly well on their goal to become a high recycling area by 2025 and Wales on becoming a zero waste nation by 2050.”
Cllr David Poole, the council’s cabinet member for community and leisure services said: “Caerphilly County Borough Council is a leading county borough for recycling services, and it is fantastic to be recognised on a national level as an example of best practice for other local authorities. We continue our commitment to recycling and reducing the amount of food waste heading to landfill.”