The Welsh have got it right!

The Welsh Assembly Government commissioned some research back in 2008 from the Waste & Resources Acton Programme (WRAP) into which method of kerbside collection was best.

There are a number of different collection methods employed in Wales. Kerbside sort is where materials are collected and then sorted at the kerbside. A kerbside box as shown is generally used. The other method is comingled where materials are all collected together and then sorted our later on in a materials recycling facility (MRF). The comingling can be in one or two streams.

As a result of the research published as Recycling in Wales: Indicative Financial Costs kerbside sort comes out on top. This makes sense as the process of sorting at the kerbside will result in the highest quality of material, will require the lowest cost equipment to facilitate and as there is no downstream sorting will also offer the lowest carbon footprint.

As the pioneer of the kerbside box in the UK 16 years ago and having delivered more than 12 million such boxes to date it is encouraging to see such a sensible conclusion.

Let us hope that the Welsh can reach their 70% target ahead of time. The Monmouthshire village of St Arvans has already reached 80% - so it certainly can be done. The Welsh have certainly got it right.