A SIX-WEEK public consultation on possible changes to recycling and waste collections on Anglesey began last Wednesday (January 7).
Residents are being asked to help improve the island’s current 65% recycling rate – below the national 70% statutory target – by having their say as part of the ‘Together for a greener Anglesey’ consultation.
The consultation will be open until February 18, 2026. It will allow residents to have their say on possible services changes, including opportunities to recycle even more material combined and a potential switch to four-weekly black bin collections.
Data shows that around 52% of the waste currently placed in black bins on Anglesey could, in fact, be recycled. We also know that food waste recycling is relatively low compared to other local authorities.
With Anglesey missing its 70% recycling rate target set by the Welsh Government, the council now faces a real risk of being fined more than £350,000 per year. All Welsh councils must meet the 70% target, and others also face similar large fines if they fail to do so.
During the consultation, feedback from householders will help shape future service provision – aimed at increasing recycling rates and avoiding fines, which could impact funding available for other council services.
Potential service changes to increase recycling would require significant financial investment. However, Welsh Government will only provide funding for projects with a credible chance of supporting the council to reach the 70% recycling rate or more (in line with its ‘Collections Blueprint 2025 ‘).
Isle of Anglesey County Council has already set out a clear commitment to protecting the environment and reducing our carbon footprint in its Council Plan 2023 to 2028. Recycling plays a vital role in this work.
Highways, Waste and Climate Change portfolio holder, Councillor Ieuan Williams, explained: “I’d like to thank Anglesey residents for their recycling efforts and ensuring we’ve reached over 65% to date. Now we need their support to go that extra mile.
“We want to provide households with more opportunities to recycle as well as reduce the amount of waste that goes into our black bins.
“This will help cut emissions, conserve valuable resources, and help create a cleaner, greener Anglesey for future generations.
“By consulting with residents, we want to show the Welsh government that we’re serious about making improvements; hitting the 70% statutory recycling target and avoiding these fines.”
Head of Highways, Waste and Property, Huw Percy, added: “We understand that different households have different needs.
“Large families, rural properties, homes with limited storage, and residents who already recycle extensively may have concerns about any changes.
“This consultation is a vital opportunity to ensure their views are fully understood before any decisions are made.
“Since any potential changes to our collection service could impact every household on Anglesey, I would urge all residents to have their say.”
Information on the consultation, as well as the online questionnaire can be found on the Council’s Recycling and waste collection.
The public consultation will also include several drop-in sessions at the island’s libraries for members of the public.
