Wales injects extra funds into helping councils meet ‘zero waste’ targets

Welsh councils have received a funding boost to help them increase recycling rates with the announcement that the Assembly's collaborative change programme will run at least until the end of the 2015-16 financial year.


The programme was established in 2011 to help ensure that Wales meets the recycling targets set out in the Wales Waste Strategy, Towards Zero Waste, and the requirements of the EU Waste Framework Directive for separate collections of waste to be set up.

To date, 15 local authorities have either been supported or are currently receiving assistance from the scheme.

This year the Welsh Government is providing £3.5m in funding for local authorities, increasing to £4m each year from 2014-15.

In announcing the extension, Welsh Minister for Natural Resources & Food Alun Davies said that Welsh local authorities met an ambitious target last year, recycling 52% of municipal waste.

“They will play a big role in achieving a 70% recycling rate in Wales by 2025, and zero waste by 2050. This funding will be used to invest in projects that improve recycling rates and the quality of material collected, as we move towards zero waste in Wales.

“I want to see councils sharing good ideas and good practice through the programme, so they can improve their performance and their efficiency.”

Examples of capital funding provided this financial year include £1.19m investment for the acquisition and development of depots and bulking facilities to support Powys County Council’s kerbside recycling service, and £66,500 for capital works on a civic amenity site for Bridgend County Borough Council.

Maxine Perella

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