Let’s Talk Recycling in Merthyr Tydfil
Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council has made great strides in recent years. Our recycling rate has climbed from just under 50% a decade ago to over 64% today. That’s thanks to the hard work of our residents, our waste teams, and our community partners. But we’re not stopping there.
The Welsh Government has set an ambitious target that 70% of our waste must be reused/recycled or composted. Failure to meet this target will result in severe financial penalties approximately £50,000 per 1% below the target. That’s money we’d rather invest in schools, roads, and vital community services—not throw away on avoidable penalties.
Every item you recycle helps us get closer to that target.
So, what are we doing?
Kerbside Recycling Improvements
We offer a weekly kerbside collection service where we provide collections of food, glass, plastic, cans, paper and cardboard. To support effective recycling, we provide free receptacles for sorting these materials. Recent service improvements allow residents to also recycle textiles, batteries and small electrical items like kettles, hairdryers etc at the kerbside too.
Free Bulky Waste Collection
We also offer free collection of certain bulky items—like fridges, cookers, TVs, and metal furniture. This helps residents dispose of large items responsibly, while supporting reuse and recycling. You can book a collection online and mix free and chargeable items in one visit. We’ve partnered with Wastesavers to give reusable furniture “A New Lease of Life” at our dedicated shop in Pentrebach. This initiative supports reuse, reduces waste, and helps quality items find new homes.
Business Recycling Scheme
We already offer a competitively priced commercial recycling service to the businesses in Merthyr Tydfil, and in addition to this we’ve launched a Trade Acceptance Scheme at our Dowlais and Aberfan Household Recycling Centres, designed to support local businesses and help meet the requirements of the Workplace Recycling Regulations introduced in April 2024.
For a low annual fee, businesses can recycle sorted materials at our designated centres and receive an annual Waste Transfer Note, fulfilling legal obligations under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This initiative makes it easier for businesses to comply with environmental legislation, encourages responsible waste management, and helps improve borough-wide recycling rates and reduce environmental impact.
By participating, local enterprises contribute to a cleaner, greener Merthyr Tydfil while staying compliant with current regulations.
Looking Ahead: Our Waste Strategy 2025–2030
We’re currently consulting on a new strategy to reduce black bin waste, increase reuse and repair, improve efficiency, and prepare for future regulations like the Emissions Trading Scheme, which will limit carbon emissions from waste incineration.
We know that 30% of what’s in our bins is food waste, and 52% could be recycled. That’s why we’re ramping up education and support to help every household recycle more—and recycle better.
Why It Matters
Recycling isn’t just about bins—it’s about protecting our environment, saving money, and building a greener, more resilient Merthyr Tydfil. Every item recycled helps us avoid fines, reduce emissions, and invest in better services.
How You Can Help
Use the right containers—check our website for guidance
Use and support the New Lease of life reuse shop
Visit our Recycling Centres in Aberfan and Dowlais
Share your recycling wins using #MerthyrRecycles
Together, we can hit our targets, avoid unnecessary costs, and make Merthyr Tydfil a cleaner, greener place to live. Thank you for doing your part.