Council back-peddles on recycling

It’s that time when households get reminders from their local authority about doing their bit for the environment by recycling Christmas cards and present packaging. Swansea is no exception but this year the message carries more than a tinge of hypocrisy as the council’s green credentials get called into question by its decision to re-open a controversial landfill site.

A couple of year back, Swansea hit the headlines for taking a rather robust approach when enforcing its recycling rules. Recently, council officials were spotted rooting in bin bags around the city to ensure that they all contained the right kind of rubbish. Now, despite local protests from residents and the fact that the tipping area is alongside a site of special scientific interest, the Tir John site – located at the city’s main eastern gateway – is set to see another 10 years of landfill operations.

One councillor representing the area, and who also a ruling cabinet member, claimed the only issue might be one of smell. He could be right. His constituents certainly think the decision stinks.
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(JX)