Wales leads the way in the war against waste

Wales is already a world leader when it comes to recycling, leading the way in the UK and ranking third in the world for household recycling. Indeed, Wales recently reported a municipal recycling rate of 63%, which exceeded its 58% target. 

At Amberol we are pleased to be able to help facilitate recycling on the go with our versatile range of outdoor and indoor recycling bins that are suitable for a wide range of public spaces. So, we were very interested to hear that rather than rest on its laurels regarding its excellent track record with recycling, Wales is taking its environmental responsibilities even further by announcing an investment of £50 million into recycling over the next three years. 

An investment in the future 

The Welsh environment minister Hannah Blythyn has pledged this capital funding which will be used for recycling service changes and infrastructure across Wales. She promised that no council’s recycling grants would be cut in order to fund other local authority services. A particular focus will be put on the Vale of Glamorgan, Denbighshire and Pembrokeshire to improve their collection services. 

Hannah Blythyn said, “Recycling is a Welsh success story and something we should be proud of. But we want to do more. Improving recycling rates will again require further support and more concerted and intensive interventions.” 

Making business take responsibility 

One argument often made by people who don’t recycle at home is that their efforts would be a drop in the ocean when large companies refuse to change long-ingrained bad habits to make a concerted effort to create more environmentally friendly methods of production and disposal of the often-vast amounts of waste they generate. 

The good news in Wales is that part of the next push towards improving recycling will involve bringing in new regulations that will mean that businesses have to dispose of their waste in exactly the same way that households do. 

A shift in mind set 

Although Wales already has an enviable track record when it comes to recycling household waste, the Welsh government recognises that there is always room for improvement. Due to this, part of the new investment in recycling will involve a £500,000 campaign aimed at enforcement of the rules and promoting behavioural change. 

This is because although Wales is a recycling leader, research has shown that over half of waste that is put into black bins could be recycled. Not only that, it was found that despite its overall continued success, recycling rates were starting to fall across Wales. Part of this can be attributed to laziness, however it is hoped that when the public are educated about what can or can’t be recycled, recycling rates will improve. 

Making recycling an everyday habit 

To find out more about Amberol’s outdoor and indoor recycling bins, available in a wide range of sizes and colours to complement any public space, please call us on 01773 830 930 or email sales@amberol.co.uk.