Simple solution

IN response to the letter in Monday’s Argus headlined ‘Ditch the bag.’  
The way in which Newport residents recycle their waste, including the various receptacles used, is one of the most cost effective and efficient ways of doing it – and that’s a fact. 
The more items that get mixed up before they are collected, the more likely the items are to become damaged or put beyond recyclable use, meaning a waste of time, money and effort for all concerned. 
There are two main ways of collecting household recycling; one where residents put all recyclable items in one container which is then sorted at a recycling facility – a co-mingled collection. 
The other where residents put items in a variety of containers and it is sorted on the kerbside – a kerbside sort. Newport, uses the kerbside sort system, as it reduces costs and is more environmentally friendly. 
The Newport recycling system really is quite simple and logical to use. 
If all materials were collected in one container they would have to be sent off to be sorted which would cost the council an extra £150,000 to £330,000 per year. 
And contaminated waste from co-mingling which could have been recycled, would be sent to landfill instead which would cost the council £80 – £125 per tonne, or at least £1.4 – £1.8 million per year. 
To find out more about what goes in each box and your collection days visit www.newport.gov.uk/recycling