The final phase of Cardiff’s ‘sack sort’ recycling scheme will launch on January 20, extending the program to 36,400 additional homes. Residents in Butetown, Canton, Creigiau, Cyncoed, Fairwater, Llanishen, Llanrumney, Old St Mellons, and Riverside who are not in purpose-built flats and have not yet transitioned to the scheme will begin receiving their new recycling containers. The first collections are scheduled for March 4.
What Residents Will Receive:
- Blue Caddy: For glass bottles and jars
- Red Sack: For metals, tins, aerosols, foil, plastic bottles, pots, tubs, and tetra packs
- Blue Sack: For paper and cardboard
Each household will also receive a cover letter, a detailed booklet, and a quick guide to help them understand the scheme and properly sort their recycling.
Improved Recycling Outcomes
The ‘sack sort’ scheme has already been implemented across thousands of homes in Cardiff, with significant benefits:
- Higher Recycling Rates: 96% of materials collected are now recycled, compared to 70% under the old green bag system.
- Reduced Contamination: Rates of contamination have dropped from 30% to just 4%, minimizing issues such as non-recyclable waste and litter caused by animals accessing food waste in green bags.
A Cleaner, Greener Cardiff
Cllr Norma Mackie, Cabinet Member for Waste, Street Scene & Environmental Services, said:
“The new scheme is helping residents and the council recycle more efficiently, supporting our fight against climate change. The results so far are encouraging, and we’re grateful to residents for their cooperation. Separating recyclables has significantly reduced contamination, improving the quality of materials collected and cutting costs associated with dealing with unrecyclable waste.”
Why ‘Sack Sort’?
The scheme aligns with the Welsh Government’s preferred recycling method and supports Cardiff’s goal of achieving a 70% recycling rate by 2025 and zero waste by 2050. Sacks were chosen instead of plastic boxes to suit Cardiff’s housing characteristics, with many homes lacking outdoor space. The sacks are foldable, wind-resistant, and easier to handle. Residents can order additional sacks via the Cardiff Council app or collect them from designated hubs.
Efficient Collection Process
New waste vehicles with twin chambers collect red and blue sack recyclables separately, while a separate vehicle handles glass collection. On rare occasions, general waste vehicles may be used due to operational needs like breakdowns. However, recyclables remain separated and processed at the council’s Materials Recycling Facility to maintain quality.
What’s Next?
Once this rollout is complete, all Cardiff homes will be covered by the scheme. A tailored program for purpose-built flats will follow, with further updates to come later this year.