A new household waste recycling centre will open for the first time next weekend, Powys County Council has announced.

The new council-owned site on the Dyffryn Industrial Estate, Newtown will open at 10am on Saturday, April 27.

Powys County Council says the new facility will be a "considerable improvement" on existing arrangements with improved traffic flow on the site, and will contribute to the Welsh Government's aim of recycling at least 70% of waste by 2025.

The site was purchased by the council in 2017 and was granted planning permission last year, and the council say it will complement the other council-owned sites in Brecon, Llandrindod Wells and Ystradgynlais.

Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Recycling and Waste, said: "I'm delighted that our new household waste recycling centre in Newtown will be opening for the first time next weekend.

"The new centre will be a considerable improvement on the current site in the town as it is purpose built and designed to improve traffic flow and make it easier for residents to recycle their waste."

Statistics released in 2018 showed Powys had a recycling rate of over 65%, and last year Powys County Council was awarded a Recycling Carbon Index trophy for being the best recycler in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in terms of the greenhouse gas emissions saved through its efforts.

The site, which has been developed by Contractors Alun Griffiths Ltd, replaces the existing site on Wern Ddu Lane although the service will continue to be provided by Potters Waste Management on behalf of the Council.

"Our investment in this new site is part of our long-term plans to secure strategic recycling and waste facilities across the county and complements the other council owned sites in Brecon, Llandrindod Wells, and Lower Cwmtwrch near Ystradgynlais. Having household waste recycling centres in our ownership helps secure this valued service.

"Household waste recycling centres are an important contribution to achieving the Welsh Government's ambitious target to recycle at least 70 per cent of waste by 2025."

The current site at Wern Ddu Lane will close on Wednesday, April 24 at 5pm.