Wales sets the pace on waste

FOLLOWING our look at England’s ‘Simpler Recycling’ initiative last month (read it here), we decided to turn our attention to other UK members. If England is aiming to recycle or reuse 65% of waste by 2035, what’s Wales aiming for?

As a business headquartered in south Wales, we’re very happy to learn that Wales not only leads UK nations on recycling – but in a recent global ranking comes second only to Austria out of 48 countries!

Ambitious targets

Wales boasts a national average recycling rate of 66% – a huge achievement and testament to the country’s ‘Beyond Recycling’ scheme, which is driving towards recycling, reuse or composting of 70% of all waste…by 2025, with the ultimate goal of becoming a ‘zero waste nation’ by 2050.

Like England’s Simpler Recycling scheme, Wales plans to introduce the collection of plastic film – such as salad bags or yoghurt pot lids – from households by March 2027. However, Wales is ahead of the curve with mandatory separated recycling in workplaces, a measure not due in England until March 2025.

This proactive approach may explain why Wales is outpacing its UK neighbours, ahead of Northern Ireland (9th), England (11th) and Scotland (15th).

No resting on laurels

Plaid Cymru’s climate change spokesperson, Delyth Jewell MS, was quick to state that Wales can’t “rest on its laurels”. Here at Endurance Vehicle Solutions, we see the dedication in the waste sector across the UK up close, and we’re proud that our fleet of the most efficient and effective specialist commercial vehicles available is put to work, day in and day out, supporting our collective efforts towards a cleaner, less wasteful society.

We might be headquartered in Wales, but Endurance has national reach, so if you’re responsible for waste management in your region and would like to discuss how our service can cater to evolving collection strategies and ever-increasing recycling rates – our team is here to help.

Just give us a call at +44 (0)1291 440 750.