Wales meets targets to reduce biodegradable waste sent to landfill

Minister for Natural Resources, Culture and Sport John Griffiths has congratulated Welsh councils for meeting targets to reduce the amount of biodegradable waste sent to landfill, reducing the amount of harmful greenhouse gases released in the process.

Wales has met its demanding targets for 2013/14, with councils sending 23% less biodegradable waste to landfill than the targets allowed. Since the Landfill Allowance Scheme began in 2005/2006, Welsh councils have reduced the amount of biodegradable municipal waste sent to landfill by 59%. The scheme is published on the Natural Resources Wales website.

John Griffiths said:

“I am pleased to see that we are continuing to meet our targets to reduce the amount of biodegradable waste we send to landfill; Welsh councils sent 5% less to landfill compared to last year. It demonstrates that we are continuing to progress even as the targets become more challenging. We will continue to work with councils to support them to improve.

“Wales is leading the way in reducing the waste we sent to landfill and recycling, composting and reusing as much as possible. As well as helping councils to avoid landfill taxes, there is a clear environmental benefit. Biodegradable waste in landfill sites produces methane, which is 25 times more powerful than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas.”

Eight councils, Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Ceredigion, Denbighshire, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Powys and Torfaen, used less that 70% of their allowances. However, four councils exceeded this year’s allowance, which is reducing year on year. Welsh Government will continue to work with these councils to help them to improve.

Ceri Davies, Executive Director for Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said:

“It is great to see that local authorities are stepping up to meet this challenge. Less waste going to landfill shows that we are managing our resources better, which is good for the people, economy and environment of Wales.”