Recyclable materials being placed in black bags in Wales

The Welsh Government says this is essential for reaching its recycling targets

According to new figures announced by the Welsh Government, one quarter of black bag waste in Wales is still made up of food, whilst another quarter is possibly made up of recyclable material.

The Welsh Government says that these findings could be the key as to whether the country reaches its recycling targets before time.

It claims that if only half of all the food and recyclable materials placed in black bags across Wales was recycled, the country could reach its sanctioned 2025 recycling target, which is 70%, a staggering nine years earlier.

Registered charity WRAP, have revealed that in Wales, there has been a 14% increase in the amount of residential recyclable materials being recycled but that refuse bins throughout Wales are still being stuffed with numerous items that could be re-used or recycled.

The study also revealed that 17% of electrical waste and electronic equipment and 50% of textiles and clothing, were still being sent to landfill sites, along with food waste and dry recyclable items.

Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths said: “It’s great to see people’s recycling habits are significantly improving. However, this research shows there’s still more we can do to meet our aim of being a zero waste nation by 2050.”

Towards Zero Waste: One Wales One Planet – is the Welsh Government’s plan of action when it comes to waste. Its aim is to see Wales become a high recycling nation by 2025 and a zero waste nation by 2050.

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