Latest news: Recycling and Waste update

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Hello Subscriber,

We would like to update you on the latest waste and recycling developments, these include changes to bulky waste collection services, community recycling centres moving to summer operating hours and a reminder about changes to the supply of blue refuse bags. 

Changes to bulky waste collection services

Residents are advised that from April 1, there will be an increase to the cost of our bulky waste collection services.

The service will now cost £35 for up to three items,  and additional items can be collected for £6.57 each.

There is no limit on how many times you can book a bulky waste collection.

To book a collection, please visit our website: https://www.bridgend.gov.uk/residents/recycling-and-waste/bulky-waste-collections/

Changes to community recycling centres opening hours

Community Recycling Centres at Pyle, Brynmenyn and Maesteg will switch to summer operating hours  from Tuesday 1 April:

• Monday – Friday 8.30am - 7pm
• Saturday and Sunday – 8.30am – 5pm

More information on our community recycling centres can be found on our website: https://www.bridgend.gov.uk/residents/recycling-and-waste/recycling-centres/

Changes to to the supply of blue refuse bags

Residents are reminded that from April 1 2025, householders will need to provide their own black refuse bags, ensuring that the bags are no larger than 60 litres. Residents can continue to use the remainder of their blue refuse bags for refuse collections until these have run out.

More information can be found on our website: https://www.bridgend.gov.uk/news/residents-update-on-the-changes-to-the-supply-of-blue-refuse-sacks/

Please note that due to essential maintenance, the online recycling and waste portal will be temporarily unavailable from 6pm-7pm on Tuesday 1 April.

Beep Beep Day! Highlights the importance of road safety to our school pupils

Many of our schools recently took part in Beep Beep! Day 2025, where they learnt a variety of road safety skills teaching them how to stay safe on their journey to school, whether that’s by walking, cycling or car.

Pupils at Ffaldau Primary School and Blaengarw Primary School also received a special visit from our Road Safety team and ‘Roly Patroly’. 

The children enjoyed belting up in ‘Roly Patroly’ and all their new skills will last them a lifetime!!

Our International Social Worker Recruitment Project receives a Welsh Government Ministerial visit!!

We recently hosted a visit from Dawn Bowden MS, Welsh Government’s Minister for Children and Social Care to showcase our International Social Worker Recruitment Project.

Recruiting and retaining skilled social workers has been a challenge post-pandemic, but since July 2022, we’ve partnered with Sanctuary Personnel to bring 13 qualified social workers from South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the USA into our Children’s Safeguarding Teams. Their diverse cultural and professional experiences have enriched our practice and helped provide much-needed stability to our workforce.

Supporting our recruits has been central to the project’s success. With tailored wellbeing and professional development support, and positive feedback from an independent review, we’re committed to helping our international social workers thrive—and hope they’ll stay with us long term.

This project is part of our broader strategy to strengthen our workforce and improve outcomes for children and families.

https://www.bridgend.gov.uk/council/jobs/social-care-and-work-jobs/

Delays possible: Nolton Street/Ewenny Road, Bridgend

Due to emergency repairs, the traffic signals at the Nolton Street/Ewenny Road junction are temporarily out of service.

During works temporary lights will be in place. Traffic delays possible.

Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

https://www.bridgend.gov.uk/residents/roads-transport-and-parking/roadworks-and-road-closures/

Tomorrow: Join Dwr Cymru Welsh Water for a Drop-in Session on River Quality!

Dwr Cymru Welsh Water are inviting members of the public to drop by and chat about river quality and the work they are doing in the area.

Where?

The Pantri Box, The Harlequin Building, Porthcawl, CF36 3BL

When?

Friday, 28 March

Time: 10am – 2pm

This is a great opportunity to ask questions, learn more about local water initiatives, and share any concerns.

https://www.dwrcymru.com/en

Follow us on Bluesky

You can now also follow us on Bluesky to stay up to date with all the latest news from around the county borough.

Our accounts are:

English: @Bridgend.gov.uk

Welsh: @cbspenybont.bsky.social

https://bsky.app/profile/bridgend.gov.uk

Young Carers Action Day!!

What an incredible day for our Young Carers Youth Council from Bridgend Carers!

They had the amazing opportunity to visit the Senedd with Carers Trust to discuss the important theme of 'Give me a break!' for Young Carers Action Day.

Our young carers sat on a panel and shared their thoughts on how we can better support young carers in Wales.

It was inspiring to see several Members of the Senedd (MS’s) join them in the media briefing room to listen and engage with their ideas.

Ante Natal Aqua Yoga at Maesteg Swimming Pool

Are you an expecting mum? Join Halo Ante Natal Aqua Yoga classes at Maesteg Swimming Pool for a calming and supportive experience designed just for you and your baby.

Mondays at 2:00 pm | 45-minute session

Benefits include:

• Gentle stretches with the buoyancy of water
• Meet and connect with other pregnant women
• Tone your body without impact
• Strengthen your bond with your baby
• Focus on breathing and relaxation
• Improve pelvic floor flexibility — great preparation for labour and waterbirth

The sessions are led by experienced Community Midwives from Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.

Free for Halo Members | £2.00 for non-members per session.

Book via the Halo App, call the centre on 01656 678882 or ask at reception.

https://haloleisure.org.uk/centres/maesteg-swimming-pool/

Give blood and save lives!

The need for blood has never been more important. Can you help? Welsh Blood Service need more people from the Bridgend area to sign up as donors to help patients across Wales.

Appointments are available at:

• 4 April- Bridgend Masonic Hall 
• 22 April- ASDA Bridgend

Please be advised that if you have recently had a Covid-19 vaccination, then you must wait two days before making a blood donation.

Book your appointment to help save lives today.

We are recruiting!

We have several exciting job opportunities available and are currently recruiting for the following positions:

• School Based Counsellor 
• Assistant Team Leader - Provider Services (Social Care)
• Area Supervisor - Catering Services
• Relief Cleaner - Corporate Cleaning Services
• School Crossing Patrol - Cefn Cribwr Primary

Find out more about current vacancies and apply online today: https://www.bridgend.gov.uk/council/jobs/

Sign up to our new weekly jobs bulletin to be the first to know about our latest job opportunities.

The bulletin will be sent straight to your inbox, all you need to do is sign up online:

https://www.bridgend.gov.uk/council/customer-services/email-updates/

Emergency support is available

We would also like to remind residents that a range of emergency support continues to be available:

• Domestic abuse support – Assia Domestic Abuse Service call 01656 815919 or email assia@bridgend.gov.uk
• Bridgend Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub - report concerns about a child to 01656 642320 or mashcentra@bridgend.gov.uk. Report concerns about adults to 01656 642477 or adultsafeguardingMASH@bridgend.gov.uk
• Mental Health telephone advice and guidance is available as an alternative to the drop-in clinics at ARC in Bridgend County Borough 9.00am – 4.30pm Monday – Friday. Call 01656 763176, email ARCInformationandAdvice@bridgend.gov.uk or visit Assisting Recovery in the Community (ARC) webpage for more information.

Contacting the council

Residents are asked to use the online My Account and use the webchat on our homepage by clicking the Oggie icon, complete an online contact us form or call 01656 643643.