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You are here: CIWM  >  Publications  >  Latest News  >  Wales Recycling Rate Hits 48 Percent

Wales Recycling Rate Hits 48 Percent

28 September 2011

According to preliminary figures released yesterday (27 September), Wales' municipal recycling and composting rate for April-June 2011 was 48 percent, making this an increase of four percentage points on the same period in 2010

The latest rolling year (July 2010 - June 2011 ) rate was 45 percent, an increase of five percentage points from the rolling year to June 2010.

The statistical release Local Authority Municipal Waste Management, April-June 2011 also shows that the residual household waste produced per person in Wales has continued to decrease, falling from 70 kilograms per person in April-June 2010 to 62 kilograms per person in April-June 2011.

Welsh Government Environment Minister John Griffiths said: "Wales continues to lead the way in waste reduction and recycling. These figures show a clear increase on our recycling performance for the same period last year and prove we are well on the way to reaching our first statutory recycling target of 52 percent in 2012-2013.

"Most Welsh local authorities have significantly improved their performance over recent years, and for this they have reason to be proud. I also applaud the way in which Welsh householders have played their part in reducing the amount of waste they produce and recycle everything they can.

"High recycling is an important element of sustainable waste management, but it is not the whole picture. We cannot afford to be complacent simply because we are recycling more.

"If we are to meet the ambitions set out in our waste strategy Towards Zero Waste we must continue to do everything we can to prevent waste wherever possible and to become a more resource-efficient society. We must also accept that we need alternatives to landfill for waste which we cannot recycle."

Wales is the only country in the UK to introduce statutory targets for municipal recycling. The first statutory target for local authorities is 52 percent for 2012-2013.

Recycling rates traditionally fluctuate throughout the year, with the spring and summer months generating higher levels of recycling and composting. Because of these seasonal fluctuations, annual rates provide a more accurate picture of recycling trends than quarterly rates.

CLICK HERE for figures

Darrel Moore