Local councils in Wales have continued their record of environmental achievement, having successfully reached Wales’ first ever statutory recycling target.
In November 2010 Wales was the first country in the UK to set statutory recycling targets, with the Welsh Government also imposing a set of ambitious future targets up to 2024/25.
The latest figures released by Welsh Government confirm that Wales has met its first ever statutory recycling target of 52%, with local authorities having recycled or composted over 800,000 tonnes of waste.
Wales now aims to recycle 70% of its waste and achieve zero waste to landfill by 2025.
Cllr Andrew Morgan, WLGA Deputy Spokesperson for Waste said:
“Welsh councils in recent years have consistently delivered a recycling rate for Wales that is well above the UK average. This is a great achievement, not only by local councils, but by local communities in Wales who are increasingly making the most of the collection schemes that have been made available to them.
“While performance will obviously vary across Wales, depending on a wide range of local factors and pressures, this is a significant collective achievement for local government in Wales. We can not be complacent however, as the targets that have been set by Welsh Government will become increasingly harder to reach in the future, while at the same time the financial resources available for delivering these services are expected to significantly reduce.
“Councils in Wales can now take advantage of a Collaborative Change Programme run by WLGA and WRAP in partnership with the Welsh Government. The specialist advice and support that is being made available will help councils in Wales achieve future targets, and avoid the significant fines that can be imposed for failing to do so.
“Wales’ recycling targets will only be achieved with the help of local communities, as the success or failure of any recycling scheme is largely determined by how well local communities participate. Achieving zero waste to landfill is a long term journey for Wales that we must all play a part in.”
