10 July 2008
Waste leaders have joined forces today to tackle significant waste pressures by looking at waste reduction, recycling collections and the treatment and collection of food waste, all of which are necessary for meeting ambitious recycling targets.
Speaking at an all-Wales waste meeting, Cllr Aled Roberts (Wrexham) WLGA Spokesperson for Environment, Sustainability and Housing said:
“Councils face significant financial pressures in meeting targets around recycling, composting and the management of waste services, yet, despite this they have embraced waste management as a number one priority. We have been saying for a long time that the Assembly Government and councils should work together to reach decisions on the recycling of food waste and we are pleased that the raw material for this debate is now in place following today’s meeting.”
“Every council in Wales has aimed high when it comes to waste reduction. Our recycling record to date is a clear indicator of councils’ investment in recycling services and commitment to encouraging a cultural shift in consumer behaviour so that the public make use of the services available to them and therefore send less to landfill. However, councils are realistic about what is achievable and an ambitious 70% recycling target by 2025 means looking at every feasible option such as food waste.”
“Whilst we recognise that energy from waste is a not the answer to the problem, it has the potential to be one of the solutions. Following today’s meeting we will ensure that the key actions are taken at a national level and that councils continue to build on progress through the exchange of local challenge and the sharing of good practice. Also, we will continue to meet with the Assembly Government to move discussions around energy from waste further forward.”
Jane Davidson, Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing met today with local authority Cabinet Members with responsibilities for Waste to discuss how thy can improve recycling facilities and proposals for meeting Welsh Assembly Government waste targets.
Ends
For more information contact: Natasha Weeks