Wales has achieved a notable increase in its recycling rate, reaching 66.6% in 2023/2024, up from 65.7% the previous year. This exceeds the 64% target set by the Welsh Government's Beyond Recycling strategy in 2021. Looking ahead, a new goal of 70% has been set for 2024/2025.
The latest figures show that 18 out of Wales' 22 local authorities met or surpassed the 64% target, an improvement from 17 authorities last year. However, Cardiff, Caerphilly, Flintshire, and Wrexham fell short. Bridgend led the way with an impressive 72.8%, while Cardiff recorded the lowest rate at 60.1%. Encouragingly, six councils – Bridgend, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, Swansea, Carmarthenshire, and Vale of Glamorgan – have already surpassed the upcoming 70% statutory target.
In total, Welsh local authorities managed 1.4 million tonnes of waste in 2023/2024, reflecting a slight 0.6% increase from the previous year. Residual household waste per person dropped by 2.1%, from 172kg to 168kg, showcasing further progress in waste reduction.
Wales' remarkable recycling journey is a testament to its efforts since the 1990s, when rates were as low as 5%. The government attributes this success to a £1 billion investment in recycling initiatives. By comparison, England and Scotland recorded recycling rates of 43.4% and 43.5%, respectively, in 2022, while the UK average fell slightly to 44.1%.
A Welsh Government spokesperson celebrated the progress, stating: “We’re incredibly proud of the collective effort that has brought us closer to becoming the world’s leading recycler.”
