Recycling rates in Wrexham amongst the highest in Wales

Recycling rates in Wrexham over the last 12 months are amongst the highest in Wales.

New figures released by the Welsh Government today show that 70% of waste was recycled in the county borough during 2019/2020.

This exceeds the Wales-wide statutory target of 64%.

The breakdown by Local Authority shows 18 of the 22 have delivered against the increased target in the very first year. With three local authorities in Wales having achieved a level which exceeds the next target of 70% by 2025.

Overall the recycling rate for Wales has reached a record high, with the country as a whole exceeding the latest recycling target and achieving 65.14% for 2019/20

The figures show 1.51 million tonnes of material was generated within Local Authorities in Wales in 2019-20, a decrease of almost 2.0 per cent on 2018-19. Nearly a million tonnes (984,935 tonnes) of which was recycled, re-used or composted.

Commenting on Wrexham’s figures Cllr David A Bithell, lead member environment and transport said: “I would like to thank everybody for their continued efforts in Wrexham.

“What I will add is that the figures for this current year will be low due to the restrictions of COVID19 and this will no doubt be replicated across Wales.

“Wales is leading the way across the World and we should all be proud of our efforts.”

Welcoming the overall figures, Environment Minister Lesley Griffiths said: “For Wales as a whole to exceed the target in the first year is testament to the considerable effort everyone has put in.

“We could not have achieved a record year for recycling in Wales without the hard work of our local authorities and households across Wales and I’d like to particularly congratulate those authorities who have exceeded the next target five years early.

“Wales is already a recycling nation and we are rightly proud of our achievements.

“These figures not only show that we are on track in meeting our goal of zero waste by 2050, but also show the progress being made towards a circular, low carbon economy.”

Pictured: Local recycling celebrity and icon, Michael.