Wales plots 100% circular economy

The Welsh Government has announced £6.5m in funding to help Wales become ‘the world leader in recycling.’ 

Wales is currently the top recycling nation in the UK and is the only country in the UK to exceed the EU’s target to recycle at least half of all waste from households by 2020.

However, the government wants to go further and has announced £6.5m in funding to move towards a completely circular economy, this means keeping resources in use for as long as possible and avoiding waste.

A consultation was held in Llangollen in December, a town which has already achieved a plastic-free status, the government outlined eight ambitions.

These included: becoming the world leader in recycling, phasing out single-use plastic, investing in clean technology for materials collection, making more efficient use of food, prioritising purchasing recycled content, enabling communities to take action, creating the conditions for businesses to seize opportunities and taking full responsibility for their own waste.

Deputy minister for housing and local government, Hannah Blythyn, said: ‘Wales is already leading the way in the UK when it comes to recycling, but I want us to go further and take the next step.

‘We’re on a journey towards becoming a circular economy where waste is avoided and resources are kept in use for as long as possible.

‘Our communities are what make Wales and it was fantastic to launch the consultation in Llangollen.

‘It’s a community that’s come together to reduce plastic, tackle climate change and take advantage of the business opportunities from using reusable and sustainable materials.

‘We want a dialogue, it is the publics chance to let us know what they think about our proposals and to come up with new ideas and activities.

‘We will be holding events online and in communities across Wales, and there are resources to help you come together and respond.

‘I want to hear from as many people and organisations as possible. Our collective responses can make a big difference.’

Environment Journal recently covered a report that said businesses which embrace the circular economy in their supply chains have reduced energy prices, lower their carbon footprint and are less exposed to environmental disruptions.

Photo Credit – Pixabay