Merthyr Tydfil Council has temporarily suspended bulky waste collections for fridges, fridge freezers and standalone freezers from July 16 until further notice, citing significant restrictions across the UK's fridge reprocessing network.
Immediate Suspension and Existing Bookings
The decision, effective immediately, affects all new collection requests. However, the council confirmed that any existing bookings already in the system will still be honoured. Residents can still dispose of these items at Household Recycling Centres in Dowlais and Aberfan, but with a temporary limit of one fridge, fridge freezer or freezer per household to manage storage capacity.
The authority warned it may need to introduce further restrictions if capacity at its sites is reached. Additionally, the council has suspended acceptance of these items through its trade waste acceptance scheme due to limited reprocessing capacity.
National Processing Shortage
The council stated that the current lack of processing capacity has left councils across the UK with little choice but to introduce temporary restrictions until the situation improves. Businesses are advised to make alternative arrangements for disposal while national processing restrictions remain in place.
To alleviate pressure, the council encourages residents to sell or donate working fridges and freezers through private sales, community groups, or reuse shops and charities. This helps keep appliances in use longer, reduces waste, and minimises strain on recycling facilities.
Retailer Take-Back Services
Residents purchasing a replacement appliance should check if the retailer or manufacturer offers a take-back service, as many suppliers will collect and responsibly manage old units when delivering new ones.
Merthyr Tydfil Council apologised for the short notice and thanked residents, businesses and visitors for their patience, understanding and cooperation while this national issue is resolved.
