An official opening for the all-new community recycling centre in Pyle was held earlier this week and a number of local dignitaries along with Local Environmental Champions and award winners Aoife Dean and Kylan Williams were invited to explore the modern-day facility which will benefit the county borough for generations to come.

Council staff and contractors welcomed Council Leader Cllr Huw David, Deputy Leader Cllr Jane Gebbie, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment Cllr John Spanswick, Deputy Mayor Cllr Heather Griffiths and the High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan Dr Richard Lewis MBE DL to the official opening of the site at Village Farm Industrial Estate.

Alongside representatives from the Pyle, Porthcawl and Cornelly wards, and councillors from Pyle and Cefn Cribwr Community Councils, the visitors had the opportunity to take a guided tour of the newly established recycling facility led by representatives from Plan B Management Solutions, the council’s recently appointed interim waste and recycling management contractor.

During the tour, visitors were informed that the cornerstone facility has significantly increased capacity for recycling materials in the county borough, processing 500 tonnes of materials since it’s opening in March 2024. The site is specifically designed to allow a regular flow of traffic, with capacity for 70 cars at any one time, enabling quick disposal of household waste and recycling items.

Pupils from local primary schools and members of Cynffig Comprehensive Eco School also joined the VIP tour, culminating with a ceremonial unveiling of the three winning posters that were designed by Afon Y Felin, Pil and Mynydd Cynffig primary school pupils as part of a competition tasked during recycling workshops held with the council’s Education and Enforcement Team.

One of the winning pupils, Hugo Houldcroft from Mynydd Cynffig Primary School, showcased the winning designs, which highlight the importance of recycling rubbish and how it can reduce the impact of climate change. The vibrant posters will be prominently displayed at the centre, serving as a visual reminder of the importance of recycling and preserving the environment for future generations.

The primary school pupils also attended an interactive on-site presentation hosted by ADA Recycling, where they displayed various items that have been made from recyclable or sustainable materials. The presentation also gave an overview of the three community recycling centres in the county borough such as where the materials that are dropped off there go for recycling and pupils learnt about covered topics on waste minimisation and reuse, looking after the environment, and some of the laws around the proper disposal of waste.

I am delighted to welcome our guests and officially open the new community recycling centre.

This visit signifies the importance of our collective efforts to promote responsible waste management systems and build a more sustainable future for the county borough.

We are one of the top three local authorities in Wales for our recycling efforts, and thanks to the continued support from our partners, our work with schools and local communities and the efforts of local residents, we can hope to create a positive change that can only benefit the next generation.

The Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council, Councillor Huw David

Over the last ten to twenty years we have completely transformed the way we recycle in the county borough, and recycling rates at community recycling centres are now over 90 percent.

With the opening of the new centre today we can celebrate this impressive success story and continue to improve on our fantastic recycling rates.

Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment Councillor John Spanswick