The Environment Minister, Jane Davidson has welcomed the publication of new waste and recycling figures and called on the people of Wales to do their bit to respond to tougher targets ahead.
We recycled or composted 39.2 per cent of our waste in 2009 – 2010, up 3.4 percentage points on 2008 – 2009 figures.
The statistics also show:
- Municipal waste arisings down 2.4 per cent on 2008 – 2009 tonnages collected
- Composting up 10 per cent on 2008 – 2009 tonnages collected
- Dry recyclables up 5 per cent on 2008 – 2009 tonnages collected
The Minister said:
“I am delighted that in 2009 – 2010 Wales recycled more than ever before, despite the terrible winter which made composting almost impossible for a time. I am confident that without these tough conditions we would have been able to recycle more than 40 per cent of our waste.
“At the beginning of the decade we recycled just 7 per cent of our rubbish, so we should not underestimate our achievement. We have, however, a long way to go, as I pointed out when I announced our new waste plans this week, with targets of 70 per cent recycling by 2025.
“When you consider the way we have increased our recycling rates in recent years, this target is more than achievable. But if we are to reach this level of recycling we need change the way we think about our waste, which is what our Towards Zero Waste strategy is all about.
“That’s why I am urging every single person in Wales to reduce the amount of waste they produce, reuse products where possible and recycle everything they can, so we can create the Wales our children and grandchildren deserve.”
