Cardiff

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Waste Management

Sections

1. Waste Categories

Cardiff Council categorizes waste into several types to facilitate proper disposal and recycling:

a. General Waste (Non-Recyclable)

  • This includes items that cannot be recycled, such as certain plastics, polystyrene, and sanitary products.
  • General waste is collected in green wheelie bins or red-striped bags (for properties without space for bins).

b. Dry Recycling

  • Recyclable materials include:
    • Paper and cardboard
    • Glass bottles and jars
    • Plastic bottles, tubs, and trays
    • Metal cans and tins
    • Tetra Paks (e.g., juice cartons)
  • These items are collected in green recycling bags, which are provided free of charge by the council.

c. Food Waste

  • All food waste, including cooked and uncooked food, tea bags, coffee grounds, and bones, is collected separately.
  • Food waste is placed in kitchen caddies (small indoor bins) and then transferred to brown outdoor bins for collection.

d. Garden Waste

  • Includes grass clippings, leaves, branches, and other organic garden materials.
  • Garden waste is collected in reusable green sacks.

e. Bulky Waste

  • Large items such as furniture, mattresses, and appliances are not collected as part of regular waste services. These require a special collection or can be taken to a recycling center.

f. Hazardous Waste

  • Items like batteries, paint, chemicals, and electrical appliances (WEEE) must be disposed of at designated recycling centers or through special collection services.

2. Recycling Procedures

Cardiff has a strong focus on recycling, and residents are encouraged to separate their waste correctly. Hereโ€™s how to participate:

  • Recycling Bags: Green recycling bags are available for free from local hubs, libraries, and some supermarkets. Residents can collect up to 52 bags per year.
  • Sorting: Ensure all recyclable materials are clean and dry before placing them in the green bags.
  • Food Waste: Use compostable liners (provided by the council) for your kitchen caddy, and transfer the waste to the outdoor brown bin.

3. Collection Schedules

  • Waste and recycling collections in Cardiff are typically weekly.
  • Each area has a specific collection day, which can be checked on the Cardiff Council website or by using the Cardiff Gov app.
  • Residents are required to place their bins or bags at the designated collection point (usually the curbside) by 6:00 AM on the collection day.
  • After collection, bins and bags must be removed from the street by the end of the day.

Holiday Adjustments

  • Collection schedules may change during public holidays (e.g., Christmas, Easter). Updates are announced on the councilโ€™s website and social media channels.

4. Associated Costs

  • Regular Waste Collection: Free for general waste, recycling, and food waste.
  • Garden Waste: Free during the main collection season (spring to autumn). Outside this period, garden waste is not collected, and residents must take it to a recycling center.
  • Bulky Waste Collection: Charged at ยฃ12.50 for up to two items and ยฃ25 for three to four items. Additional items incur extra charges.
  • Replacement Bins/Bags: Free for most items, but charges may apply for repeated replacements of wheelie bins.

5. Local Considerations and Guidelines

a. Waste Enforcement

  • Cardiff Council has strict rules to ensure compliance with waste disposal guidelines. Fines of up to ยฃ100 can be issued for:
    • Putting waste out on the wrong day.
    • Contaminating recycling bags with non-recyclable items.
    • Leaving bins or bags on the street after collection.

b. Flats and Shared Properties

  • Residents in flats or shared accommodations may have communal bins. Itโ€™s important to follow the specific waste disposal instructions provided by the property management.

c. Recycling Centers

  • Cardiff has two main recycling centers:
    1. Lamby Way Recycling Centre (CF3 2HP)
    2. Bessemer Close Recycling Centre (CF11 8XH)
  • These centers accept a wide range of items, including hazardous waste, electrical appliances, and bulky items.
  • Access is free for Cardiff residents, but you must book an appointment online before visiting.

d. Waste Reduction Initiatives

  • Cardiff Council encourages waste reduction through initiatives like:
    • Love Food Hate Waste: Tips to reduce food waste.
    • Repair Cafรฉs: Community events where broken items can be repaired instead of discarded.
    • Reusable Nappies Scheme: Financial incentives for parents to use cloth nappies.

e. Language Considerations

  • Cardiff is a bilingual city, with both English and Welsh widely spoken. Waste management information is available in both languages.

6. Tips for New Residents

  • Check Your Collection Day: Use the Cardiff Council website or app to find your collection schedule.
  • Order Supplies Early: If you need recycling bags, food caddy liners, or replacement bins, order them as soon as possible to avoid delays.
  • Follow the Rules: Ensure you separate your waste correctly to avoid fines and contribute to the cityโ€™s recycling goals.
  • Engage with the Community: Cardiff has a strong community focus on sustainability. Participating in local initiatives can help you integrate and learn more about waste reduction.

By following these guidelines, you can easily navigate Cardiffโ€™s waste management system and contribute to the cityโ€™s efforts to maintain a clean and sustainable environment. For further assistance, visit the Cardiff Council Waste Management webpage or contact their customer service team.