Re-cycling and Sustainability The residents of Usk are becoming more aware of the need to recycle waste. The local amenity re-cycling centre in Maryport Street is well used. Facilities include banks for glass, paper, textiles, plastic bottles and cans. A large skip is provided for green garden waste. The town recycled 33% of total waste delivered and Monmouthshire’s target is to recycle 40% of its waste by 2010.

Daffodils by the River Usk.

As well as the green waste skip, there is a weekly doorstep collection of green waste, paper and cardboard by Wormtech Ltd in partnership with Monmouthshire County Council. Householders are supplied with bio-degradable bags for their garden waste. Collected green waste is shredded, composted and screened, a 13 week process. This compost is now on sale and some has been used for permanent planting in Usk.

Usk hosts a successful weekly Country Market selling home-made cakes and confectionery. Twice monthly there is a thriving Farmer’s Market which involves twenty to thirty local producers selling meat, fish, dairy products, preserves, apple juice, wines, bread, cakes and plants.

Usk is now a Fair Trade Town. Local traders have being contacted and public displays and Fair Trade stalls are arranged at the Farmer's Market and other local events.