THE Vale of Glamorgan Council has heaped praise on residents for their enthusiastic participation in the authority's kitchen waste recycling pilot.

Most of the 5,000 residents involved are wholeheartedly embracing the three-month scheme and, over the last month, there has been an impressive 71 per cent overall participation rate.

Figures for the different areas are Dinas Powys (73 per cent), Barry Island (76), St Athan and Sully (60) and Lower Penarth/Lavernock (78).

As part of the monitoring arrangements, waste management and cleansing personnel, including Vale recycling officer Michelle Fitzpatrick, have been checking the number of kerbside caddies on collection days and seeking the views of residents.

During a visit to Sully, Michelle was joined by Vale cabinet member for visible and building services Cllr Geoff Cox and head of visible services Miles Punter.

Cllr Cox said: "The pilot scheme is going from strength to strength. Participation rates are excellent and the feedback from residents in focus groups has been positive. Indeed, everyone who attended the meetings said they would like to see the scheme extended across the Vale."

Michelle added: "It’s not so much that people don’t want to participate but many already have home compost bins or wormeries, some don’t have food waste through keen menu planning and others have hungry pet dogs that enjoy the scraps.

"Fortunately, only one or two residents informed us that they don’t see the point in recycling. We, therefore, believe that it appears that 29 per cent of pilot residents have clear reasons for not leaving kitchen waste caddies out weekly but do understand the benefits of the scheme."

Highlighting some of the benefits, Miles Punter said: "The kerbside caddies all have lockable lids that successfully keep scavenging creatures away. Furthermore, residents have informed us that, as they can clearly see how much food waste is collected, they can make immediate changes to their lifestyles. Clever menu planning will obviously help save money, reduce waste and allow for the reuse of food."

The council’s cabinet is due to decide next month on a way forward after the pilot ends on May 1.

For more information on the kitchen waste pilot, telephone 01446 700111 or email visible@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk. Alternatively, for more information on waste management, visit the council’s website at www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/recycle