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. The fine particle compost is exposed to an army of worms which turn it into worm cast. 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.

A Fair Trade committee has been set up in Usk to achieve Fair Trade Town status. Local traders are being contacted and public displays and stalls arranged.