Download the Draft Waste Strategy here [1.05mb PDF]

Download the appendices to the Draft Waste Strategy here [1.02mb PDF]

ENVIRONMENT

Everything that is not re-used or recycled has to be buried or burnt.  Monmouthshire’s Landfill sites are already full, and so we are already incurring charges for transporting this waste elsewhere, with these sites nearing capacity.  The breakdown of our landfill waste causes the emission of methane gas which contributes to the greenhouse effect causing global warming and it's associated harmful effects.

LEGISLATION

European Law states that we HAVE to reduce the mount of biodegradable waste (rubbish that rots) sent to landfill, from levels recorded in 1995, by 65% before 2020. The Welsh Assembly have also set an interim target, meaning that we HAVE to recycle 40% of our waste by 2010.

COST

Failure to reach these targets will result in costly fines for Monmouthshire. Landfill tax is increasing dramatically every year. Cost to landfill will increase as space  continues to decrease.

It is vital we stop relying on landfill and use alternative methods for dealing with our waste.

OUR TARGETS

In 1995 Monmouthshire produced 30,000 tonnes of biodegradable waste,  which can and should have been processed differently.

European Landfill Directive Targets:

• By 2010 only 75% of this waste can be landfilled
  7,500 tonnes less
• By 2013 only 50% can be landfilled
  15,000 tonnes less
• By 2020 only 35% can be landfilled
  19,500 tonnes less

Welsh 'Wise About Waste' Targets

• 2004 – at least 15% of our waste, measured by weight, to be recycled and composted
  Monmouthshire achieved a rate of 15.9%
• 2007 – at least 25% of our waste, measured by weight, to be recycled and composted
  Monmouthshire has reached this target
• 2010 – at least 40% of our waste, measured by weight, to be recycled and composted

Monmouthshire intends to exceed this target, planning to recycle at least 50% of our waste by 2011.