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Caerphilly Council seeks \u00a3459,000 for urgent repairs at Full Moon waste transfer station, as part of a wider \u00a354 million strategy to modernise waste infrastructure and improve recycling rates in the borough.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
A recently published council report has revealed that Full Moon, Caerphilly\u2019s recycling and waste transfer station, requires urgent repairs following the collapse of its drainage system. The council is seeking approval from cabinet members to allocate approximately \u00a3459,000 to cover essential maintenance works, including the replacement of the drainage system and concrete hard standing. These repairs are expected to render the waste transfer facility out of operation for around 11 weeks. However, the household recycling centre on the site, which serves the public for waste disposal, will remain open throughout the repair period.<\/p>\n
The funding for this project is anticipated to come from a government-backed initiative where manufacturers contribute to the costs of packaging recycling. Caerphilly Council is set to receive nearly \u00a35.4 million from this fund in the current year. A significant portion of this, around \u00a32 million, has already been committed towards acquiring a new waste depot located at Duffryn Business Park in Ystrad Mynach. While the recycling centre\u2019s public access will not be affected, during the maintenance period residual waste collections will be temporarily redirected to Cardiff, and recycling materials will be stored at an alternative, undisclosed location within the borough. The council\u2019s cabinet is scheduled to discuss and potentially approve the proposed maintenance and contingency budgets in a meeting on 17 September.<\/p>\n
Local residents have voiced concerns about the deteriorating conditions at the Full Moon site. In particular, there has been frustration over a large hole in a wall of the Household Recycling Centre that has allowed litter to spill into the surrounding area during adverse weather conditions. Councillor Janine Reed pointed out that repair requests for this issue were first made as far back as July 2023, highlighting a prolonged delay in addressing structural defects that have negatively impacted the local community. The council has acknowledged these problems and pledged to undertake necessary repairs soon.<\/p>\n
These issues at Full Moon are part of broader challenges facing Caerphilly Council\u2019s waste and infrastructure services. The council has grappled with significant maintenance costs elsewhere, including over \u00a36 million spent since 2013 addressing pothole repairs across the borough. Thousands of potholes have been fixed, and compensation claims related to road damage have also added financial pressure. Moreover, the council\u2019s fleet of bin lorries used for organic waste collection is in urgent need of replacement, as many vehicles operate beyond their expected service life and suffer from frequent breakdowns.<\/p>\n
To address these systemic challenges, Caerphilly Council is pursuing a comprehensive new Waste Strategy designed to enhance recycling rates and avoid substantial fines imposed by the Welsh Government for underperformance. This strategy includes a proposed investment of \u00a354 million in waste infrastructure improvements, such as \u00a36 million earmarked specifically for new collection lorries. The Welsh Government has indicated potential support for this strategy, possibly providing up to \u00a327.6 million in funding to help transform Caerphilly\u2019s waste services. The council has also taken the significant financial step of agreeing to borrow \u00a324 million to acquire a new, yet undisclosed, waste depot location in the mid-Valley area. This move underscores the council\u2019s commitment to reversing its status as having the poorest recycling performance in Wales as recorded in 2023.<\/p>\n
Together, these repair works at Full Moon and broader strategic investments represent Caerphilly Council\u2019s efforts to address both immediate infrastructure failures and long-term sustainability in waste management. While the repair of the drainage system and site infrastructure will temporarily disrupt some services, the council\u2019s plans reflect a wider ambition to modernise its waste facilities and improve environmental outcomes for residents.<\/p>\n