3G's Zero Waste - Michelle Boland 01685 353 422

What is 3G’s Zero Waste Project?

The 3G’s Zero Waste Project will be a community based recycling research project operating in the Gurnos and Galon Uchaf areas of Merthyr Tydfil. In the spring/summer of 2012 the responsibility for the collection and disposal of recycling, garden and food waste will be transferred from the council to 3G’s Zero Waste for a period of 7 years. Funded by the Welsh Government, supported by the 3G’s Development Trust and a range of partner organisations and social enterprises, the project will pilot a “slow recycling “ kerbside sort approach to waste management that aims to demonstrate how Zero Waste could be achieved – physically, economically and socially.

What’s the aim of the project?

The project aims to help the council reach the statutory Welsh targets for recycling and composting which are 52% in 2012/13 rising to 70% in 2024/25. At present the Gurnos and Galon Uchaf areas have a recycling rate of 22%.

What’s the next step?

Community engagement will begin very soon to raise awareness of the service changes and to establish the recycling and food waste needs and wants of residents in the Gurnos and Galon Uchaf areas. It will also highlight any barriers to recycling and ask how the current service could be improved in order to increase participation and tonnages.

Will the council still be responsible for the collection of my rubbish and garden waste?

Yes the council will still be responsible for the time being for the collection and disposal of all rubbish.

What are the benefits?

In addition to job creation, the community will benefit from any surplus money made through the sale of recyclates in the form of a community dividend.