Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson for the Environment, Mick Bates AM, calls on the Labour-Plaid Assembly Government to look to the shining example set by the Lib Dem led councils if they are to reach ambitious recycling targets in the future.

Addressing the Minister for the Environment in the chamber Mick urged: “I’m sure you would congratulate the Liberal Democrat led councils who have increased recycling rates after years of Labour neglect. In Wrexham for example recycling has gone up from 12% to 43% and in Cardiff kerbside recycling is now available to everyone, free-of –charge.

“I am continually impressed by the work of local initiatives such as the Powys Zero Waste scheme which brings together community recycling bodies throughout Powys, as well as excellent projects such as Cwm Harry Land Trust which have brought Newtown onto the Welsh recycling stage and engaged many local residents in its Newtown Food Recycling Project."

Latest figures show recycling rates are around 28% - on course for the 2010 target but in 2009/10 the first European target comes into play under the EU Landfill Directive. The Labour-Plaid Government has discussed with local authorities a target of 70% recycling and composting by 2025.

“This is ambitious and will need strong policies and a firm plan of action if it is to be reached” adds Mick.

“According to the Living in Wales Survey from 2006 the proportion of households recycling decreases significantly as age increases, with those of the pensionable age recycling the least. Clearly there is an urgent need to address this issue if we are to make recycling more convenient and accessible, so that recycling rates improve across all age groups.

“In reviewing the ‘Wise about Waste’ strategy I hope that the Assembly Government will look to our Liberal Democrat led councils as well as excellent local initiatives for good examples of how to develop a recycling strategy for the future. They must follow our golden guide to recycling if they are to have any hope of reaching an ambitious 70% target by 2025.”