"I am also confident, from early indications from the first quarter of 2007-08, that Wales is progressing well to hitting the 40% target by 2009-10"
Jane Davidson, Welsh Minister for Environment
Welsh Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing, Jane Davidson welcomed figures for 2006-07 released last week, which show that the overall Welsh figure for local authorities was 27.6% for recycling and composting easily exceeding the 25% target.
However five local authorities failed to meet their targets for 2006-07. These were Cardiff 19.5%, Merthyr Tydfil 20.6%, Blaenau Gwent 23.2%, Caerphilly 24.5% and Isle of Anglesey 24.6%.
Three of these authorities are now receiving Regional Capital Access Fund money to help them meet their targets and all of them are taking action to improve their recycling and composting, according to the Minister.
A number of authorities are performing well with Ceredigion and Powys already hitting the 40% target and a number of authorities above 30%. These were Flintshire 33.43%, Monmouthshire 31.81%, Newport 31.04% and Wrexham 30.08%.
Minister Jane Davidson said:
“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 from the first quarter of 2007-08, that Wales is progressing well to hitting the 40% target by 2009-10.”
The Minister will be meeting the leaders of local authorities throughout Wales later this month to discuss the future in local authority waste management.