Caerphilly to launch free caddy liners trial

The council says the trial will start with a six-month supply of liners delivered directly to households.

Following this initial phase, the remaining six-month supply will be made available for collection at various locations, including local libraries, leisure centres and other council facilities.

Caerphilly said this strategy is an “integral component” of its seven-year route map, designed to ensure that Caerphilly “not only meets but exceeds” the recycling targets mandated by the Welsh Government

One of the primary objectives laid out by the Welsh Government is to achieve a 70% recycling rate and Caerphilly hopes to hit this and has plans to increase their rate above this in coming yearrs. It recorded a 59.7% rate in 2021/22.

Cllr Chris Morgan, cabinet member for waste, leisure & green spaces said: “We are thrilled to announce the start of our free food waste caddy liners trial.

“Here at Caerphilly county borough we are on a mission to tackle climate change and boost our recycling rates. Whilst our dry recycling participation rate is high, unfortunately our lack of participation of food recycling is negatively affecting our overall recycling rates. We are therefore very hopeful that providing free liners will help break down barriers and increase our participation levels.”

Liners

The issue of caddy liners and their benefits has been a long-standing debate in the sector with many being opposed to removing them as research published by resources charity WRAP suggested that participation would be “significantly affected” if supplies of free liners were removed and residents were then required to purchase liners from retail outlets.

It also noted that “households without an ongoing or adequate liner supply tended to stop participating with subsequent difficulties in re-recruiting these households onto the scheme later”.

However, Defra in its recent Consistency consultation has backtracked on its previous statement (see letsrecycle.com story) and said: “Further evidence is needed before publishing guidance on caddy liner use. We will continue to explore options that promote the best environmental outcomes in this area.”

And many councils across the country believe caddies to be costly say removing them has little-to-no effect on recycling numbers.

They have been removed in Tameside Telford and Wrekin and Wokingham in recent years.