Wrexham Council faces substantial fine as recycling rates across the county fall

Wrexham Council could face a future fine of up to £660,000 if recycling targets in the county borough are not met.

The Welsh Government requires the 22 local authorities to make sure that 70 per cent of all waste is recycled by 2024/25.

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic Wrexham was amongst the top performing councils in Wales, with a recycling rate of 69.2 per cent.

However a report due before members of the homes and environment scrutiny committee on Wednesday (13 March) states that this has reduced to 64.26 per cent.

The drop in recycling locally has seen Wrexham fall from 7th in Wales in 2021/22 to potentially 17th in Wales based on the first three quarters of 2023/24.

According to the report the reduction in household recycling since the pandemic has been put down to factors such as:

• Changing behaviour
• Changes in packaging
• Seasonal variations impacting certain waste-streams
• Restrictions at household recycling centres
• Overall reduction in waste arising

However if the Welsh Government target of 70 per cent of waste being recycled is not hit by 2024/25 then the council could face a potential fine of £200 per tonne.

This would mean that if the council only achieved 66 per cent, then a fine of £660,000 could be imposed.

Wednesday’s report notes that Wrexham Council has taken steps to stop people from putting recyclables into its household waste bin, including the introduction of the garden waste service, food caddies, free compostable liners for the caddies and resident surveys.

Outreach work has also taken place at events such as Wrexham’s Play Day and the Victorian Christmas Market.

However going forward the council warns that the current 70 per cent recycling target could increase further.

As a result the report states that the local authority “will need to consider making a number of changes to ensure that the waste and recycling service is sustainable, meeting its statutory obligations, improving the environment and avoiding increased costs and financial penalties.” Some of these options include:

• Continue to identify and address barriers to recycling (eg flats and apartments)
• Continue communications with the public about recycling, and local arrangements
• Further kerbside participation surveys, and other public engagement
• Changing trade waste arrangements in line with new legislation
• Consider opportunities to restrict particular waste-streams at HRC’s
• Consider changes to kerbside arrangements which remove the opportunity for people to put recyclable waste in their black/blue bin

The report adds: “With such significant challenges ahead, it is important that Wrexham County Borough Council develop a clear plan for ensuring that all elements of this service area are considered, and that any proposed changes meet our statutory, financial and environmental requirements.

“With this in mind an All Member Workshop will be held (date to be confirmed) to further discuss the development of this future strategy, and action plan in further detail.”

The report will be considered by members of the council’s homes and environment scrutiny committee on Wednesday 13 March.

*Pictured: The original influencer – Recycle with Michael