Three-weekly bin collections linked to recycling improvement in Flintshire, says council
Flintshire County Council says it is on track to meet the Welsh Government’s statutory recycling target of 70% after introducing controversial changes to household waste collections.
New figures show the target was achieved during the first two quarters of the 2025/26 financial year, marking a significant improvement on previous performance.
Between 2021 and 2024, the council failed to meet the former statutory recycling target of 64%, leaving it open to potential infraction fines.
When the statutory target increased to 70% in 2024/25, Flintshire recorded a recycling rate of 63%, meaning the county fell short of national requirements for a fourth consecutive year.
In response, the council adopted a new Resource and Waste Strategy covering the period from 2024 to 2030.
The strategy includes commitments to improve recycling rates, reduce overall waste and move the county towards a circular economy.
As part of the changes, collections of non-recyclable black bin waste moved to a three-weekly schedule in April 2025. The council said the change was designed to prioritise waste minimisation and encourage greater use of recycling services.
The move proved controversial, with more than 3,300 people signing a petition opposing the decision.
Concerns were raised by residents that less frequent collections could lead to rubbish being dumped on streets, cause odour problems and attract vermin.
Further measures introduced this year include the visible waste process at Household Recycling Centres and ongoing work to improve public understanding of what can and cannot be recycled.
The Welsh Government has already waived a £663,000 fine linked to Flintshire missing the recycling target in 2021/22.
However, fines for the following three years, totalling more than £1 million, could still be imposed.
Councillor Glyn Banks, Cabinet Member for Waste and Transportation, said: “These early results are very encouraging and show that changes we’ve made are having the intended impact.
“I want to thank residents for the effort they are making to recycle more and adapt to our new collection arrangements.
“Our new Resource and Waste Strategy is about doing the right thing for the environment while also protecting public money by avoiding further fines.”
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