ON MONDAY (Mar 11), County Councillor Thomas Baden Tudor, alongside Councillors Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner and Dani Thomas-Turner from Haverfordwest Town Council, held a joint meeting at the Waldo Lounge.

The gathering provided an opportunity for the councillors to address issues raised by Castle Ward residents and discuss matters of local concern. Councillors were joined by representatives from Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust and Haverfordwest, Fishguard, and St Davids Police, who provided valuable updates on their current and future plans.

Councillor Tudor expressed his gratitude to the services for their insightful contributions, which highlighted ongoing efforts and future projects aimed at improving public services in the area.

SPRING cleaning is in full swing as searches for decluttering peak on March 20, with many households looking to dispose of unwanted furniture and large items. However, new research has revealed that the cost of bulky waste collection varies significantly across Wales.

According to a study by Cardiff-based waste management experts BusinessWaste.co.uk, Ceredigion County Council has the highest bulky waste charges in Wales, with a minimum collection fee of £61. This fee covers up to six items, with an additional charge of £61 for a further six items.

At the other end of the scale, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council offers the lowest minimum charge at just £6.70.

Where does Pembrokeshire rank?

Pembrokeshire County Council ranks 17th out of 22 Welsh councils in terms of bulky waste charges, making it one of the more affordable options. The council charges £21.30, covering up to ten items per collection—more items than most councils in Wales.

Despite the relatively low cost, Pembrokeshire does not offer any discounts or concessions for those on benefits, pension credits, or other financial support schemes. However, fridge collection is included at no additional cost.

How do other councils compare?

The study ranked the top ten most expensive councils in Wales, with Ceredigion leading, followed by Wrexham (£57.50) and the Isle of Anglesey (£46). At the opposite end, Cardiff has one of the lowest rates (£12.50), while Carmarthenshire sits in 13th place with a charge of £25.

Wales versus the UK

On a national level, Wales has the sixth highest average bulky waste collection charge at £29.84. The South East of England is the most expensive region, with an average charge of £44.81, while Northern Ireland is the cheapest, averaging just £5.97.

Key findings from the report:

• No Welsh councils offer a free collection service.
• Pembrokeshire’s ranking in the UK is 256th out of 382 councils, placing it in the bottom 33% for bulky waste charges.
• Fridge collections are free across all Welsh councils.
• Carmarthenshire ranks 227th in the UK, with a £25 charge covering up to three items.

A spokesperson for BusinessWaste.co.uk said: “Bulky waste collection is a vital service for households looking to dispose of large items responsibly, but the costs vary widely across the UK. While some councils offer reasonable rates, others charge significantly higher fees, which can deter responsible waste disposal.”

For the full report, visit: www.businesswaste.co.uk.

LEADING supermarket chain Tesco is collaborating with the Welsh Government and over 100 food and drink companies to drive carbon reduction while supporting industry growth.

The initiative, involving major Welsh suppliers such as Authentic Curry Company, Penderyn, Edwards – The Welsh Butcher, and Ellis Eggs, aims to help businesses measure and lower their carbon footprint, responding to growing consumer and financial pressures.

The pilot programme operates in three key phases:

• Establishing protocols – Tailoring carbon measurement methods for Welsh businesses.
• Setting baselines – Using carbon capture tools to establish emission benchmarks.
• Creating reduction plans – Developing industry-specific strategies to cut emissions.

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, hailed the collaboration as a major step forward. He said: “This pilot programme is a significant step for Wales’s food and drink industry. Tesco’s support is invaluable in equipping businesses with the tools to measure and reduce their carbon footprint, enhancing competitiveness and sustainability.”

Tesco, which has pledged to achieve net zero across its value chain by 2050, has already cut its operational emissions by 61% since 2015.

Enfys Fox, Relationship Manager for Local Sourcing at Tesco, said: “Tesco is committed to building a more sustainable food system, and we’re proud to work alongside the Welsh Government in this transformative pilot programme.

“We recognise the role that industry has to play in reducing carbon emissions. By supporting our suppliers in baselining their impact and providing actionable strategies, we are taking important steps to address the climate crisis and ensure a sustainable future for the industry.”

Simon James, Managing Director of Edwards – The Welsh Butcher, highlighted the business benefits: “Participating in this pilot helps us baseline our emissions and develop strategies to reduce them. Sustainable practices are essential for winning future supply contracts.”

The initiative also strengthens businesses’ ability to secure financial backing, as lenders increasingly seek proof of carbon measurement and reduction efforts. The pilot provides structured frameworks for tracking and reporting emissions, giving companies verified data to demonstrate their sustainability commitments.

For more information, visit gov.wales/foodanddrinkwales.