Torfaen County Council (Wales), FCC Environment’s (FCC's UK subsidiary) waste management partner, and local recycling company Capital Valley Plastics have been awarded in the category of "Best Local Recycling Initiative of the Year" at the prestigious Let's Recycle 2020 "Awards for Excellence in Recycling and Waste Management" at a virtual gala on November 6th.

The 'Let’s Recycle Awards for Excellence in Recycling and Waste Management' recognise the most innovative and dedicated organisations within the waste and recycling industries, local authorities and the sector in general.

The award was given on account of the county's innovative "Recycling Plan" that will help prevent the growth of plastic pollution. 

Created in collaboration with charity Plastic Oceans UK, the council and FCC Environment provide separate flexible collections for low-density polyethylene packaging at local schools within the Torfaen area and the Household Waste Recycling Centre at New Inn. The materials collected include carrier bags, bubble wrap, bread bags, outer packaging of drinks cans and cartons, six pack rings and any clean, stretchy plastic that carries recycling logos.

Once collected from the schools and the HWRC, the plastics are separated then sent to Capital Valley Plastics for reprocessing into damp-proof membranes, which are sold within the construction industry.

The project is demonstrative of “Circular Economy Wales”, the country’s strategy to reduce waste, combat climate change and provide new job opportunities. To date, almost 94 percent of the waste collected has been fully recycled into damp-proof membranes.

FCC Environment’s Julie Fourcade, Head of External Affairs, commented: “We are delighted to see Torfaen’s recycling scheme awarded The Best Local Authority Recycling Initiative of the Year at this prestigious ceremony. The scheme is a true partnership between all those involved and one that is helping to make a real difference – fittingly reflected with this award win. Our relationship with Torfaen is incredibly important to us and we look forward to building on the continued success of this project throughout Torfaen.”