Recycling in Wales reaches record high

Recycling in Wales has reached its highest ever recorded level and has exceeded its statutory target.

In 2015-16 the average combined reuse, recycling and composting rate across the 22 local authorities in Wales was 60% – an increase of 4% on last year’s figure.

While the data is provisional, it shows Welsh councils have been able to exceed the new statutory recycling target of 58%.

As part of Wales’ long-term waste strategy, every local authority must meet recycling targets that rise to 70% by 2025 or face financial penalties.

‘This is the first year recycling levels have increased beyond the ambitious target of 58%, which is up from the previous year’s target of 52%,’ said the cabinet secretary for environment and rural affairs, Lesley Griffiths.

‘The fact these figures not only achieve the target but, in fact, exceed it is highly