2016/17. Recycling represented around 21% of total waste managed, again remaining relatively constant in the last few years. This consists of mainly dry recycling material which contains limited green waste and is on par with other urban areas. The overall decrease in recycling in the last four to five years is partly a result of a fall in Comingled recycling and green waste delivered to the Authority by constituent councils and residents using the household waste and recycling centre, but is also due to closer monitoring and more accurate reporting of contamination levels.

WRWA continually monitors its performance. Waste tonnage data is collated daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annually and is analysed to establish trends for each type of recycling or waste received. Budgets are similarly monitored and regular financial reports are presented to Members three times per year.

WRWA officers hold periodic meetings with officers from the constituent councils and in 2009 the constituent councils agreed that WRWA could charge them directly on the type and tonnage of material that they individually delivered to it. This means that the cost of waste treatment is borne by the councils fully in accordance with the “polluter pays” principle and it also means that they too are directly and continually monitoring WRWA’s performance.