What steps has the Welsh Government taken to address litter and fly-tipping across Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni, and across Wales?
Our aim is to prevent litter and fly-tipping from occurring in the first place, ensuring a fair ‘polluter pays’ approach is taken. We want to ensure those responsible for creating these issues bear the cost of cleaning it up – not local authorities nor our communities. To achieve this legislation is being introduced that will help shift the supply chain towards more easily recyclable or reusable products to prevent unnecessary waste. For example, with the commencement of the Deposit Return Scheme in October 2027 this should result in a reduction in littered drinks containers.
To directly help our communities, local authorities and businesses in tackling litter we also fund Keep Wales Tidy. Its community activity in the Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni constituency includes establishing litter picking hubs, supporting litter champions and coordinating community litter picking events. Additionally, our funding of the Fly-tipping Action Wales programme ensures local authorities have access to dedicated enforcement support, expert legal advice and surveillance equipment. Caerphilly County Borough Council and Blaenau Gwent County Council have both received new trail cameras to tackle fly-tipping hotspots in their area.