Mid and South West Wales leads the way with 70.1 per cent recycling rate as nation approaches challenging new statutory target of 70 per cent for 2024/25
The Welsh recycling rate has increased to 66.6 per cent in 2023/24, up from 65.7 per cent the previous year, according to figures released by the Welsh Government. The results, which exceed the current statutory target of 64 per cent, show 15 of the 22 local authorities improved their performance compared to last year.
The strong performance follows Wales' recent recognition as the world's second-best recycling nation in the Global Recycling League Table, where it was praised for its ambitious government strategy and statutory recycling targets.
In total, 1.4 million tonnes of local authority municipal waste were generated in 2023/24, representing a slight increase of 0.6 per cent on 2022/23. However, this remains 7 per cent lower than 2021/22 and is the second-lowest amount recorded since 2001/02.
Regional Performance
Mid and South West Wales emerged as the strongest performing region with an overall recycling rate of 70.1 per cent. Leading authorities include Bridgend achieving 72.8 per cent, Pembrokeshire at 72 per cent, and Monmouthshire reaching 71.8 per cent.
The results show residual household waste per person decreased by 2.1 per cent, falling from 172kg in 2022/23 to 168kg in 2023/24.
| Local Authority | Recycling Rate (%) | Total Waste (tonnes) | Recycled Waste (tonnes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgend | 72.8 | 54,106 | 39,380 |
| Pembrokeshire | 72.0 | 62,472 | 44,982 |
| Monmouthshire | 71.8 | 39,266 | 28,184 |
| Ceredigion | 71.3 | 32,080 | 22,869 |
| Swansea | 70.4 | 104,939 | 73,925 |
| Carmarthenshire | 70.4 | 78,323 | 55,130 |
| Vale of Glamorgan | 70.4 | 52,570 | 36,990 |
| Conwy | 69.6 | 52,219 | 36,347 |
| Powys | 68.5 | 55,227 | 37,821 |
| Newport | 67.9 | 70,403 | 47,797 |
| Neath Port Talbot | 67.7 | 61,322 | 41,526 |
| Denbighshire | 67.6 | 41,287 | 27,905 |
| Rhondda Cynon Taf | 67.2 | 112,291 | 75,488 |
| Blaenau Gwent | 66.2 | 31,901 | 21,112 |
| Isle of Anglesey | 64.7 | 33,901 | 21,924 |
| Merthyr Tydfil | 64.3 | 25,507 | 16,396 |
| Gwynedd | 64.2 | 66,879 | 42,928 |
| Torfaen | 64.1 | 45,504 | 29,185 |
| Wrexham | 63.8 | 72,367 | 46,174 |
| Flintshire | 62.8 | 74,935 | 47,038 |
| Caerphilly | 60.2 | 89,906 | 54,121 |
| Cardiff | 60.1 | 151,105 | 90,769 |
While Wales continues to lead the UK nations in recycling performance, the upcoming statutory target of 70 per cent for 2024/25 presents a significant challenge, with seven local authorities currently exceeding this threshold.
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.