Beyond recycling

Wales is ranked second in the world for recycling! We are not stopping there. The Welsh Government’s Beyond Recycling Strategy aims to build upon this strong foundation, moving towards a circular economy.

The strategy is aimed at achieving a universal culture of:

• reuse,
• repair, and
• expanding opportunities to recycle even more.

There are plenty of ways to get involved.

Reuse

Find out what you can reuse, how and where.

The Cabin at Lamby Way

The Cabin is a community reuse shop based at Lamby Way Recycling Centre. You can buy or donate pre-loved items at the shop, which is run by Wastesavers.

For opening hours and items on offer, search ‘The Cabin at Lamby Way’ on Facebook.

Benthyg Library of Things

Benthyg libraries store and offer items that you:

• don’t use very often,
• don’t have space for, or
• can’t afford.

You can borrow a number of useful items, including:

• gardening and DIY tools,
• camping equipment, and
• much more.

To search or donate items, visit the Benthyg Cymru website.

Cardiff Cloth Nappy Library

Washable cloth nappies are an environmentally friendly alternative to single-use products.

If you are interested in trying washable cloth nappies, Cardiff Cloth Nappy Library can provide them. It offers:

• helpful advice and insight on reusable nappies, and
• hireable kits, allowing you to trial reusable nappies for a month.

For more information, search ‘Cardiff and Caerphilly Nappy Library by Wastesavers’ on Facebook, or email nctnappy@gmail.com.

Switch to reusable products

The Big Plastic Count identified that nearly 100 billion pieces of plastic packaging are thrown away by UK households every year.

To help address this, why not:

• say ‘no, thank you’ to single-use plastics, and
• try reusable or packaging-free products instead.

To explore alternatives, visit the City to Sea website.

Repair

Find out what you can repair, how and where.

Repair Café Wales

You can use repair cafés to get your household items repaired for free.

These regular events are run by volunteers, who can typically repair:

• clothing,
• household electrics,
• woodwork,
• children’s toys,
• furniture, and
• bicycles.

Visit the Repair Café Wales website to find local events. Pop in for a cuppa and get something fixed!

Repair Directory

Repair Efficiency Wales offers a Repair Directory. The online tool can make it easier to find a repair shop in your local area for items like:

• clothing,
• appliances,
• furniture,
• phones, tablets and consoles, and
• more.

Businesses listed in the Repair Directory are specifically selected and reputable.

Search for local repair services, or apply to have your business included on the Repair Efficiency Wales website.

Refill

Find out what you can refill, how and where.

Composting

​If you would like to start composting at home, compost bins, wormeries and water butts​​ are available to buy from hardware stores and garden centres.​​

• You can buy a compost bin or make one yourself. Make sure the bin has a lid to stop the compost becoming water logged when it rains
• Put your compostable garden clippings and compostable food waste, such as peelings, egg shells and tea bags,​ into the compost bin
• Spreading a little ready-made compost will help the pile get going. You can also buy compost accelerants from garden centres
• Keep the compost pile moist; it should be damp to the touch, but not wet
• Leave the pile for about a week, the compost will begin to bake and get warm. This is part of the natural rotting process
• Add air to the pile by stirring or turning with a fork
• Your pile will get smaller. This is a good sign that the compost is being formed. If the compost begins to go slimy, add some cardboard for extra fibre
• If you mix the pile every week, it should be ready in about two months. If you don’t turn the mix it may take up to a year to form compost

Refill your water bottle

Find out more about Refill Cardiff.