Plastic waste to be recycled into cash and jobs?

Over 8,000 tonnes of plastic is thrown away each year in Pembrokeshire.

Now experts say much of this waste could be recycled to help both the environment and the local economy.

A leading international authority on household plastics recycling was commissioned by PLANED to find out how much plastic ends up in our rubbish bins. Consultants Recoup were asked how local recycling might be used to make money and create jobs.

The consultants' findings will be presented at a seminar called 'What Can We Do With Our Plastics?' to be held at Cilgerran on September 30. What happens next will be considered at the seminar at Rhos Y Gilwen Mansion, Rhoshill. The event is being organised by PLANED (Pembrokeshire Local Action Network for Enterprise and Development), Cylch, the umbrella organisation which promotes sustainable resource development in Wales, and IRES (Innovations for Rural Environmental Sustainability).

Cynog Davis will chair the seminar. There'll be contributions from the chair of IRES Glyn Peters, Dave Harries, of Pembrokeshire County Council, Russel Owens, representing the Welsh Assembly Government, Andrew Simmons, of Recoup, and Paul Davidson, of the Waste and Resources Action Programme.

PLANED co-ordinator Joan Asby said: "The disposal of waste plastic items has been identified as a major concern by the local communities and businesses through the 'Plugging the Leaks' workshops promoted by PLANED'S LEADER+ programme.

"This is an opportunity for the various agencies and potential players to get together and try to identify workable solutions which will hopefully also increase local economic activity."