Blaenau Gwent Council is engaging with communities on a new draft Resource and Waste Strategy 2026 – 2031. The strategy sets out a long‑term vision for increasing recycling, reducing waste, supporting reuse and repair, and moving towards a lower carbon service in the future.
The strategy has five key aims:
- Engage with the community on recycling
- Increase reuse and repair opportunities
- Reach the 70% recycling target
- Reduce the service carbon footprint
- Invest in infrastructure fit for the future
The Council wants to hear from people about their recycling and buying habits and any barriers they may face to participating in schemes, as well as how they feel about using reuse and repair options, which can also help with household budgets. Local businesses and schools will also be encouraged to engage and give their views.
Councillor Tommy Smith, the Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Environment Services, said:
“We’ve made some really good progress with recycling here in Blaenau Gwent, and we are proud of the way our communities have got on board and supported us so thank you to them. However, there is always more we can do to improve, and we want to hear from our residents, businesses and schools on how we can all do this together. We know that 51% of materials placed in rubbish bins could have been recycled, including 23% food waste, which is costing us over half a million pounds a year in disposal fees. Increasing our recycling performance is important for us to meet national targets, but more importantly to benefit our environment and our future generations.”
As part of this way forward, the Council is exploring new opportunities such as introducing a kerbside flexible plastics collection, more reuse shops and repair cafés, and improvements to its two recycling sites and fleet of vehicles.
The consultation will help shape what changes are introduced first, and how they are delivered locally.
Cllr Smith added:
“This strategy supports our priorities to respond to the nature and climate crisis and to provide high quality services. The consultation is a chance for our communities to have their say on the next steps and to help shape the future of recycling services here in Blaenau Gwent. By working in partnership, we’re confident we can reduce waste, increase reuse and recycling, and be a greener Blaenau Gwent.”
Residents can share their views through an online survey, and through paper copies at our Community Hubs in libraries.
To find out more click here.
The consultation closes at midnight on Sunday, 12th April 2026.
