Learning about waste

YOUNG people from the Gwendraeth Valley have been learning about waste and what they can do to reduce their impact on the planet.

Pupils from Ysgol Y Gwendraeth visited the Materials Recycling Facility in Johnstown, Carmarthen, to find out what happens to the rubbish we recycle in Carmarthenshire.

All our blue bags are taken to the facility, which is run by CWM Environmental, and the contents sorted so that the plastic, paper, cans and cardboard can be processed and turned into something new.

The youngsters also visited the landfill site at Nantycaws as part of a project with Menter Cwm Gwendraeth and funded by Oxfam called ‘Connect’.

MCG youth worker Rebecca Storch said: “We learnt that we buy things that we don't really need and that a lot of those things are designed to be thrown away, like water bottles, coffee cups, plastic cutlery, and plastic wrapping.

“The young people saw that everything they buy makes a difference to the earth in a positive or negative way. They realised how much waste is produced and how costly it is to deal with, both money wise and for the wellbeing of the planet and the people living on it.”

The next phase of the project will see the young people sharing what they have learnt with others; for example, with younger school children, as well as family and friends. They are also planning to carry out some beach clean-ups.

Carmarthenshire is currently recycling approximately 49% of its waste but must recycle 52% by the end of this year and 70% by 2025.

CAPTION: Pupils from Ysgol Y Gwendraeth visited the Materials Recycling Facility in Johnstown, Carmarthen, as part of a project on waste with Menter Cwm Gwendraeth and Oxfam.

Picture: Jeff Connell.