Posted on: Friday 30 January 2026
Recycling rates in Torfaen are continuing to increase according to Welsh Government figures.
National data published today shows almost all authorities in Wales saw an increase in recycling last year, with more than half reaching the 70% recycling target.
Torfaen’s recycling performance has risen steadily over recent years, increasing from 58.71% in 2022/23 to 65.34% in 2024/25.
This improvement has been supported by initiatives such as the ‘Keeping Up With The Joneses’ campaign (KUWTJ), which raises awareness of kerbside recycling services and provides tailored support to residents who need assistance to recycle more effectively.
Further enhancements to the service include the introduction of kerbside collections for small electrical items, along with improved wastecontrols at the New Inn Household Recycling Centre.
Cllr Sue Morgan, Executive Member for Sustainability and Waste, said: "We are pleased to see yearonyear improvement in Torfaen’s recycling rate.
“Although there is still work to do to reach the national target, these figures clearly show that our communities are making meaningful and positive changes, particularly in food waste recycling.
“We are grateful to all residents who continue to play their part, and we look forward to building on this progress over the coming year.”
Increasing food waste recycling in the borough has been a key target for 2025-2026.
Since the KUWTJ campaign began, we have seen a 186 tonne increase in food waste recycling, a 75 tonne increase in dry recycling and a 170 tonne decrease in purple-lidded bin waste, compared to the previous year.
Also, the education and enforcement team has directly engaged with over 450 households but has only needed to issue 8 Section 46 notices due to the positive response they have received.
Section 46 notices are only used when households continue to present waste incorrectly after receiving support from the education and enforcement team, who provide advice and any boxes, bags, or caddies needed to start recycling.