There will be no change to recycling in Caerphilly after cabinet agreed to maintain the status quo, despite increasing targets.
Welsh Government plans to increase recycling targets for local authorities across Wales.
The recycling target was increased this year to 64% from 58%. It will rise to 70% in 2024/25.
Caerphilly County Borough Council achieved 65% in 2018/19.
Since 2012/13 recycling targets became statutory, with potential financial penalties for councils who failed to achieve them
Despite a Welsh Government blueprint potentially offering the best chance to reach such targets, the council’s cabinet has agreed to maintain the status quo. They have also asked for a report on how to educate the public on efficient recycling.
In a meeting on Wednesday, January 15, cabinet agreed to maintain the current kerbside collection system for mixed materials, the introduction of a further report on education and enforcement solutions to improve recycling participation and a review into the frequency of residual waste collection.
The leader of the council, Cllr Philippa Marsden, said she was happy to see a recommendation involving education.
She said: “I think it’s really important that we have face-to-face conversations with residents and that we engage with them so they can see where we are coming from.
“As a cabinet we are absolutely committed to this.”
Cllr Carl Cuss said that the Labour group made a commitment in 2017 that they wouldn’t change the collection service.
Deputy leader, Cllr Sean Morgan said: “This is a manifesto commitment, residents like it and we are overachieving with targets.”
A report into the recycling system says: “The scrutiny waste review working group identified that if the current collection system is to be retained then existing processes to educate and inform residents regarding participation would need to continue alongside additional enforcement solutions.”
Cabinet also approved a recommendation that subject to an agreement, the authority’s responsibility for dry recyclables would be delegated to Rhondda Cynon Taf council for ten years.