Waste recycling is on target in Wales

A further rise in the amount of waste recycled and composted in Wales has been welcomed by Labour’s Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing today.

Quarterly figures show that one third of domestic household waste is being recycled and composted by local authorities and represents another big step towards meeting the target in Wales to recycle 40% of domestic waste by 2010. The data for the third quarter of 2007-08 (October – December) has indicated that Wales has recycled or composted 4.6% more than it did in the same period in 2006-07.

Jane Davidson said: “I would like to congratulate Local Authorities for their hard work and commitment and for their continued success in working towards the 40% recycling and composting target. These figures show clearly that nationally Wales is ahead of the target set for recycling and composting, which in addition to reducing the amount of rubbish that goes into landfill also helps in the battle against climate change.

“I am also confident from early indications that Wales is progressing well to hitting the 40% target by 2009-10. I would like to congratulate the three local authorities; Powys, Conwy and Ceredigion who have already reached the target. Last October I announced a two-year package of funding grants for Local Authorities worth £14 million to start new recycling and composting schemes, including setting up Wales’s first plastic sorting unit,” Ms Davidson added. “This shows our commitment to providing the funding needed to help local authorities reach their recycling and composting targets.”