RESIDENTS in Carmarthenshire who are visiting a recycling centre are being asked to separate their recyclables before they arrive – or they will have to do it there instead.

From October 7, black bags taken to the county’s four recycling centres at Trostre (Llanelli), Nantycaws (Carmarthen), Wernddu (Ammanford) and Whitland will have to be opened for the operatives to show they do not contain any recyclable waste.

If they do contain food or items that can be recycled residents will be expected to sort them on site into the correct containers with guidance from the operatives or take them home to sort.

It is hoped the move will lead to a 3.1% increase in the county’s recycling rate.

Figures show that on average almost half of the contents of black bags in Carmarthenshire are recyclable.

Similar measures have already been introduced at other local authority recycling centres with much success.

Executive Board Member for the Environment Cllr Hazel Evans said: “It is vital we increase our recycling rate, or we could risk being fined by Welsh Government – and this could run into hundreds of thousands of pounds.

“Unfortunately, we know that some black bags contain waste that is going to landfill instead of being recycled and we must change this. We are currently recycling around 58% of our rubbish and we need to reach 64% by the end of the financial year.

“This, together with a reduction in the number of black bags that can be put out for collection and giving householders food bin liners will hopefully help us to achieve this.”

The maximum number of black bags that can put out for collection is changing to three a fortnight from October 7.

Food bin liners are also being delivered to homes across Carmarthenshire for the first time to help and encourage residents recycle their food waste more easily.

There is no limit on how many blue bags householders can put out – please make sure they contain only clean and dry recyclables - and food bins are collected weekly.

If needed, it is quicker to pick up replacement brown caddies or green bins from one of the Hwbs or the council offices in Llandeilo, or they can be ordered online.

Residents can also find out when their blue bags and food bin liners are due to be delivered using the online delivery tracker.

For more information visit the council website carmarthenshire.gov.wales/recycling.