Welsh Government
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Welsh local authorities win landslide over landfill
Every local authority in Wales is winning the battle against waste, according to figures that have been published.
The amount of biodegradable waste (such as paper, cardboard and kitchen scraps) sent to landfill in Wales decreased by 39 per cent between 2005 – 2006 and 2009 – 2010. All 22 local authorities sent less biodegradable waste to landfill than their legal maximum.
The Landfill Allowances Scheme (LAS) limits the amount of biodegradable municipal waste that councils are allowed to send to landfill. It aims to encourage the reduction, recycling, composting and treatment of this waste. Since the launch of the scheme in 2005 every local authority has consistently met its landfill targets.
Environment Minister Jane Davidson has welcomed the report, saying:
“The Landfill Allowances Scheme has been a resounding success for Wales, and the big reduction in biodegradable waste going to landfill is something we should all be proud of.
“Every local authority in Wales is rolling out separate food waste collections, and I have committed £34 million between 2009 and 2011 to ensure as many households as possible have access to these services. But householders also have a significant role to play, by thinking carefully about their shopping habits and about how they can stop food going to waste. This will save them money.”
The Landfill Allowances Scheme Wales report is published by the Environment Agency Wales. Chris Mills, Director of Environment Agency Wales said:
“Again this year we have more good news that Local Authorities across Wales are sending less biodegradable waste like food, paper and cardboard to landfill. It’s an encouraging step forward towards the ultimate aim of zero waste to landfill.
“Sending waste to landfill is not sustainable - we need to use our natural resources more efficiently. We all need to keep thinking about what we’re putting out in our bin bags and think about where it’s actually going. You can recycle and compost your waste, either at home or through collection services. Landfills are fast becoming a thing of the past.”
Councillor Aled Roberts, Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) Spokesperson for Environment added:
“The WLGA is proud of the Councils and importantly the public’s performance in reducing and diverting biodegradable waste from landfill. The Councils were allowed to send 710,000 tonnes of biodegradable waste to landfill but smashed this figure by only sending 523,035 tonnes.
“However the challenge doesn’t end here. The targets are getting harder and harder and we need a concerted push, not only to continue to increase our recycling but also to reduce the waste being generated in the first place. Welsh local government will continue to strive to meet these targets and look forward to working with our residents and the Welsh Assembly Government in developing and delivering a sustainable zero waste Wales.”
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