It’s well known that recycling helps protect the environment – but how does it affect locals in Newport who find the process confusing?
Last month a petition was sent around the citizens of Newport which demanded the council change their current recycling system. It seems the unpopular system was too confusing for the local residents to maintain, as it was changed a few months ago.
David Seadon, aged 28, a graphic designer residing in the Malpas area, says, “We can’t keep up with these constant changes. It was hard enough before, now they’ve rearranged everything and are changing all the boxes and bags around. Why can’t we just put it all together like other cities do?”.
Looks like the cat’s out of the bag!
These changes have happened because the council handed over much of the recycling to the third sector organisation, Wastesavers. Phil Hunt, aged 57, Wastesavers marketing and development officer, when asked about the “constant changes”, said there weren’t any. They acknowledge that people are uncomfortable changing their routines, but the last time new recycling was introduced was when cardboard was brought in around 2008-2009.
In other places, people put all their recycling in one container, which is called co-mingled recycling. However, in Newport the collectors sort through the recycling on the kerbside, so the recycling needs to be boxed/bagged appropriately for easy transition. Phil explained this costs less, creates jobs and is safer for the environment. It’s why it’s important they get the recycling right; it’s not only better environmentally, it’s better for the public too.
Ultimately, Wastesavers are pushing a simplified process; by increased cardboard collection from every two weeks to every week, reducing household build-up and putting all their recycling information on their website, they’ve made the entire process a lot less rubbish.
How has the change in recycling in Newport affected you personally?
