Get your garden ready for the autumn - 12/10/06

 

The Vale of Glamorgan Council is encouraging all its residents to compost as much of their garden waste as possible.

 

With many residents now clearing their gardens, the most environmentally friendly way is to compost at home, and discounted compost bins are available to all Vale residents. Alternatively, residents can use the council’s kerbside garden waste collection service.

 

The service has proved to be hugely popular with residents this year, with more than 45,000 bags being sold and 500 tonnes of green waste collected since March, 2006.

 

All waste collected by this service is sent to a local farm where it is turned into compost before being used as a soil conditioner. A further 664 tonnes of green waste from Vale Parks and 390 tonnes of leaves collected during street cleaning have also been composted at the farm.

 

In addition to significantly reducing the amount of waste the council sends to landfill, this also reduces the distance the waste has to be transported as it is re-used locally.

 

Cllr Geoff Cox, Cabinet Member for Visible Services, thanked residents who are composting at home or using the kerbside collection service. He said: “We have seen a real increase in the number of residents buying compost bins and using the kerbside service this year which is very encouraging. By using these facilities, we can all help to make a real difference to the impact we have on the local environment.”

 

The kerbside garden waste service works on a ring and request basis and is easy to use. Residents simply need to buy garden waste bags from the Civic Offices in Barry or from the council offices in Penarth, Llantwit Major or Cowbridge and then call to arrange a date for a free collection. They can also buy nine or more bags by post. Please call for details.

 

Residents are reminded not to place plastic bags inside their biodegradable bags as they do not break down and cause problems during the compost process.

 

Bags will be collected by a dedicated green waste vehicle on the pre-arranged collection day. Please ensure your bags are out by 7am. Residents can also use the garden waste skips at Sully & Llandow Household Recycling Centres free of charge.

 

Residents are reminded that the dumping of garden waste is illegal and can result in a fine up to £50,000.

 

Get Composting!

Discounted compost bins are available to all Vale residents priced from just £10. Please call 01884 841 515 to order.

 

For further information please contact Visible Services on 029 2067 3000, e-mail visble@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk or visit www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk