Minutes

Councillor M Evans asked:

According to an article in the South Wales Argus 18/10/18 Newport Council has seen its recycling rate drop from 61.4% to 59.8% and could face a fine of £367,373 if we miss next year’s target. What steps are being taken to ensure this does not happen? Furthermore a “spokeswomen “ for the Council said the city is now one of the best performing in the UK, can you elaborate on this and justify this statement?

Councillor R Jeavons responded:

The decline in the recycling rate for 2017-18 was in line with the national picture and is due to definition changes.  The recycling rate in Newport has increased from 46% in 2012 and we are now one of the best performing cities across the UK.  Based on the latest audited recycling rates for local authorities in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, only one local authority has a higher rate than Newport.  In fact, the average recycling rate in the UK is actually 45% - 15% lower than Newport’s current performance.  

However significant challenges remain if we are to meet future statutory recycling targets.  The Council’s corporate plan gives a commitment to deliver a second HWRC site in Newport, and as Councillor Evans will be aware, a comprehensive review of the waste strategy has been carried out to help us meet Welsh Government recycling targets.  Scrutiny has made recommendations to the Cabinet Member, and these form part of the public consultation exercise that commenced in mid-October.