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Cyngor Gwynedd is being asked to approve a new waste and recycling “vision” covering the next five years to reduce rubbish and up the level of household recycling – to help avoid substantial Welsh Government fines. The authority’s cabinet will consider the Waste and Recycling Strategy 2025–2030 at a meeting next week, along with proposals to use packaging producer funding to help pay for the scheme.

The plan aims to increase recycling, reduce rubbish in bins, improve services, and cut carbon emissions. The strategy will also strive to maintain existing infrastructure while investing in the future of the service.

The funding – known as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) – will come from packaging companies rather than Welsh Government grants. The council received £3.7m in the first year of the scheme in 2025/26 and expects around £4.8m in 2026/27. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox

Around £2m has already been allocated to work at recycling centres in Caernarfon and Harlech, with further use of the funding being “considered to deal with any deficiencies in the service's budget”. The authority must raise its recycling rate from 65.3% to 70% to meet Welsh Government targets.

A report set to be considered next week warns that failing to do so could lead to fines of up to £600K a year, plus potential emissions trading costs of up to £1.5m. The report states: “Although the recycling performance in Gwynedd has significantly improved over the last decade (to 65.3%), the gap to the statutory target continues to create a risk financially and to the council's reputation.

“Therefore, this document proposes not only to adopt the Strategy, but also the funding method that will enable the council to fulfil the change that is required to close that gap.” Gwynedd County Council’s cabinet is set to meet on Tuesday, 7 July to debate the issue.

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