An Independent councillor has warned the Welsh Government not to meddle with local recycling services after controversial changes were discussed last week reports Christopher Gage.

Councillor Debby Blakebrough said at a select committee meeting on Monday that proposals to introduce a ‘black box system’ would disrupt Monmouthshire County Council’s recycling performance as one of the best in Wales.

Currently, MCC has the third highest recycling rate in Wales, five per cent above the Welsh Government’s target of 58%, whilst also being the cheapest across the nation.

“It seems that pressure to change is coming from the Welsh Government which supports a one-size-fits-all approach and does not value local differences and needs,” she said.

The Independent councillor said the proposed new system would not be popular with residents, and was an unnecessary hindrance to her council’s successful recycling track record.

“As I go around meeting with residents, they like their bags where everything is taken away, leaving a clean street. Black boxes limit how much can be recycled.”

Ms Blakebrough added that she supported Welsh Government targets, but said the council was best placed to provide the service ‘in a way that works for our residents’.

“We have the outcomes, we have met the targets, now leave us alone to get on with the job,” she said.

“We should stick to our guns and keep our simple bag system, despite Welsh government’s drive to bring in the bulky box kerbside recycling.

“The boxes are heavier, so that’s bad for the workers. The vans have to cough out more exhaust fumes, so that’s damaging for the environment.”

She said there was a legitimate reason to separate glass - but that could be achieved through the bag system.

“Ideally we would collect plastics, paper and cans in one bag, and glass in a separate bag. Cheap, efficient and liked by the residents,” she said.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said, “ It is up to individuals and local authorities to decide how best to organise their waste and recycling collection systems to meet local requirements, and those set out in ‘Towards Zero Waste’, our waste and recycling strategy.”