Bryn Compost Ltd in Gelligaer in my constituency recycles all of Caerphilly county borough’s food waste. The people of Gelligaer have been plagued by odours from the failed in-vessel composting facility that exists there, and have decided over the longer term not to recycle their food waste as a protest, and it’s something I’ve supported them in. An anaerobic digester placed there has gone some way to resolving some of the issues. Afonydd Cymru have called for the better regulation of anaerobic digesters, and I now have one in my constituency. In order to try and resolve some of the issues, Caerphilly County Borough Council set up a liaison committee, which consisted of councillors, residents, environmental health officers, Natural Resources Wales and the operator, to, first of all, oversee the failed IVC facility, but now to oversee the AD facility.

It’s clear that perhaps more needs to be done to scrutinise the industry, but perhaps the Welsh Government could encourage or even compel local authorities with anaerobic digesters in their wards to follow Caerphilly’s example as an example of best practice. Indeed, I would hope that Caerphilly would retain their liaison committee to oversee this anaerobic digestion facility. Would the Welsh Government therefore consider making a statement on the regulation and monitoring of anaerobic digesters?