13 April 2012

New figures show people are recycling more than last year (Wales)
People in Wales recycled nearly half of all their waste between October and December last year.

The new figures show a record increase against the same three months in 2010.

The latest Welsh Government statistics showed 49 per cent of local authority municipal waste was recycled, reducing the burden on landfills.

Swansea's figure for October to December was 43 per cent, up five per cent on the same period in 2010; Neath Port Talbot's figure was 40 per cent, up four per cent; while Carmarthenshire hit 49 per cent, up seven per cent.

Residents in Swansea have their food waste picked up every week, and their black bin waste collected fortnightly.

Glass, tins, paper and plastic are collected on an alternate weekly basis.

Referring to the latest Wales-wide figures, Environment Minister John Griffiths said: "I am delighted the people of Wales are continuing to manage their waste in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner and I congratulate local authorities in Wales for their pivotal part in this success.

"Recycling 49 per cent of our waste for the second successive quarter is particularly impressive as rates tend to drop during winter months.

"One reason for our good progress is that every local authority in Wales offers weekly food collection services.

"Separating out food waste not only diverts significant waste away from landfill, it also makes us far more aware of the food we are wasting, which can often result in reduced waste and lower food bills."

Councils will be expected to recycle and compost 52 per cent of waste by April 2013

Mr Griffiths added: "I am very hopeful that continued effort in 2012 will see us achieving more than 50 per cent recycling in the spring and summer months.

"Not only does recycling divert rubbish away from landfill and reduce carbon emissions, it also saves on energy and ensures we are reusing precious resources that would otherwise rot in the ground."

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