Welsh recycling rates rise to 65.7 per cent
Figures released today (7 December) by the Welsh Government have revealed that Wales has again exceeded its statutory recycling target of 64 per cent – achieving a rate of 65.7 per cent in 2022/23.
These statistics continue to uphold Wales’ position as the top-performing nation in the UK and one of the world’s leading recyclers; following £1 billion in investment in municipal recycling since devolution, Wales has overseen an increase from a rate of just 4.8 per cent in 1998-99.
In total, 17 out of 22 of Wales’ authorities exceeded the 64 per cent target, with 12 local authorities reporting an increase in recycling performance from the previous year.
Five local authorities achieved a recycling rate greater than 70 per cent – a figure that will become the statutory target in 2024/25. The authorities achieving this were:
- Swansea (72 per cent)
- Pembrokeshire (72 per cent)
- Bridgend (71 per cent)
- Ceredigion (70 per cent)
- Monmouthshire (70 per cent)
Welsh recycling rates continue to rise
The Welsh Government has also today reported through these figures the lowest ever amount of waste being sent to landfill. In 2022/23 just 1.6 per cent of waste was sent to landfill, a decrease from a rate of 42 per cent ten years prior.
This already goes beyond the Welsh Government’s target of achieving a landfill rate of below five per cent by 2024/25.
Following legislation passed by the Senedd earlier this week, Wales hopes to continue the downward trend in waste being sent to landfill. New recycling separation requirements will signify that all non-domestic premises will have to separate recyclable materials in the same manner that most householders already do across the country.
Coming into force on 6 April 2024, the regulations aim to further bolster Wales’ upward trajectory in recycling rates.
Commenting on the statistics, Julie James, Minister for Climate Change, said: “The landfill and recycling stats once again show us what can be achieved when we all work together to tackle climate change and put in the hard work to ensure we’re building a green and prosperous Wales for future generations.
“Wales can be proud that its efforts are making a significant difference to emissions, saving around 400,000 tonnes of CO2 per year from being released into the atmosphere.
“Our recycling track record and now near total shift away from landfill is a fantastic platform for us to build on to tackle the climate and nature emergencies – but now is not the time to get complacent.
“I ask everybody in Wales to continue the great progress we’ve made on this journey for the common good – and really think about recycling as a valuable material for the economy.”
