WREXHAM COUNCIL will consider strategies to 'improve recycling' and 'reduce waste' next week - which could see three-weekly bin collections for general waste introduced.

Plans will be discussed during the meeting of the Homes and Environment Scrutiny Committee next Wednesday (September 18).

The council says it aims to consider a proposed strategy and action plan to improve recycling and reduce waste.

At a meeting of the Homes and Environment Scrutiny Committee held in March 2024, the Committee considered developments in this area of work with a view to meeting statutory targets of recycling 70% of waste by the year 2024/2025.

The latest report seeks to update the Committee on  progress on the work done by the waste strategy team to educate the public about the process and benefits of recycling.

Detailed feedback from any further participation surveys and follow up work undertaken.

All Local Authorities in Wales are required to reach a statutory target of 70% of all waste being recycled by 2024/25.

Potential fines from Welsh Government would be at the rate of £200 per tonne, so for example a performance of 64% recycling rate for 2024/25 would equate to a fine of approximately £660,000 if imposed.

In July, Flintshire Council moved to introduce three-weekly bin collections throughout the county in order to try and hit those government targets.

And now, there is a possibility that Wrexham could follow suit.

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An agenda ahead of the meeting reads: "A number of initiatives have been undertaken in relation to improving the recycling rates within the borough in addition to an All Member Workshop being held to discuss various remodelling options for our waste service.

"At present, that work is ongoing to this report highlights the work being undertaken and the further work required in this area."

It adds: "To ensure the Council acknowledge these difficult challenges, and in response to receipt of a letter from Welsh Government about our performance, a commitment has been given to Welsh Government to comprehensively review our approach.

"This encompasses a multifaceted strategy, taking into consideration a number of changes to ensure that the waste and recycling service is sustainable, meeting its statutory obligations, improving the environment, decarbonisation targets, and avoiding increased costs and financial penalties.

"Based on the evidence available and professional considerations of the department, we propose that as a minimum we should be progressing Option 1 (3-weekly collections) is adopted in order to put us in a strong position to meet the statutory Welsh target of 70%.

"Full costings on the impact of this change are in the process of being finalised, however it should be noted that this change primarily keeps the same waste bin so avoids the financial implications of changing receptacles for over 60,000 properties."

Wrexham Council says that evidence shows that 58% of the average general waste bin is filled with recyclable materials, the majority of which would continue to be collected on a weekly basis.

They add: "It is acknowledged that there is public concern in respect of any changes to the waste collection service but it is important to highlight that the proposals will not result in residents having to utilise other services to dispose of the waste (e.g. visiting the recycling centres, commissioning private companies).

"The proposal simply means residents appropriately separating their waste in to the correct containers/bin."

Wrexham Council adds that the financial implications of failing to comply with the Welsh Government's targets 'could present a significant budget pressure'.

It is proposed that the council will undertake consultation with the public about any proposed changes as they are considered.