What’s happening?
Councils in Wales are helping people who don't recycle their rubbish. They will help those people to recycle their rubbish. They are also helping people who only recycle small amounts to recycle more. This means sorting rubbish into what can be recycled and what can't. The only things that should be left to go in the rubbish bag or bin are things that can't be recycled.
We’re offering all the help, advice, information and recycling containers you need to take part. If people carry on not recycling what they can from their home, they will receive a fair number of warnings from us. If people still carry on not recycling, we will issue them with a fixed penalty notice. This means the person must pay a fixed penalty of £100 or appear in court.
Why is this happening?
We need everyone to take part. When households don’t recycle it costs everyone in the community. In 2022, the cost of not recycling was more than £500,000 in Conwy County Borough Council. This could have been spent on protecting vital front-line services, such as schools, libraries, housing, parks and social services.
Overflowing rubbish bags or bins cause problems with smells and vermin. It’s a nuisance and expensive to clear up.
Recycling is easy with frequent recycling collections services from the home. Most people recycle - it’s not too much to ask.
What does this mean for me?
If you are not recycling, you need to start today. You don’t have to wait to receive a letter from us. You can contact us online or call our Advice Team on 01492575337 now if you need to find out:
Also, if you know someone that may need our support in a different format, such as Braille or in another language, please let us know by contacting us on 01492 575337.
I’ve received a letter – what should I do?
Don’t ignore it! To avoid the hassle of a possible penalty notice, which means a fine of £100 and potentially a court appearance, you need to recycle your rubbish. Please contact us online or call our Advice Team on 01492 575337 even if you think that you recycle your rubbish properly, and we will help you avoid a penalty notice.
I or others that I know find recycling difficult. Who can I contact for more help?
We don’t want vulnerable members of our community to worry. Therefore, if you or someone you know may be finding recycling difficult or confusing, please contact us online or call our Advice Team on 01492 575337 so that we can help and reassure you. We are more than happy to visit you at your home and show you how to recycle your rubbish correctly.
I recycle some of my rubbish, but I’m not sure about a few items. I’m worried I’ll get a fixed penalty if I make a small mistake.
We won’t be penalising residents that make an occasional mistake and are focussing our efforts on those households that recycle very little or nothing at all.
If you’re unsure if something can be recycled, or an item’s packaging says something different from the information we’ve given you, it’s always best to follow the guidance we’ve given you, which has been produced specifically for your recycling service. If you’ve lost your collection calendar and need to order a new one, please contact us online or call our Advice Team on 01492575337 You can also download your calendar as a PDF to print at home. It’s at the bottom of your Check My Collection information