- 14/09/2016
- Posted by: Mike Hedges MS
- Category: Press Releases
Mike Hedghes AM welcomes New report WHICH REVEALS potential climate change impact of recycling
A new report shows that the potential climate change impact of recycling in Wales could provide enough CO2 savings to power 1,200 journeys to the moon.
Mike Hedges said… ‘I welcome this report as it highlight’s Wales being at the forefront of the battle to reduce climate change through recycling. It is marvelous news that recycling in Wales is on target to achieve the 70% recycling target by 2024/25, leading to the additional saving of 86,000 tons of CO2. It is also good news that Swansea is already playing a part in achieving this, reaching 60% of its domestic waste being recycled in March 2016.’
The Climate Change Impacts of Recycling Services in Wales report, produced by WRAP Cymru on behalf of the Welsh Labour Government, compares the current climate change benefits from recycling in Wales to what could be seen if all local authorities adopt the preferred kerbside collection method and meet the 70% recycling target.
The report concludes the move combined with the achievement of the recycling target, which Wales is well on course to meet, would result in an additional annual saving of nearly 86,000 tonnes CO2 equivalent. This is the same amount of CO2 produced by a car travelling for 290million miles – the same distance as 1,200 trips to the moon.
The report also suggests recycling just 20% more waste would result in a 47% increase in climate change benefits.
Wales is already leading the way on CO2 savings connected with recycling, with a key report published earlier this year comparing Wales, England and Northern Ireland’s performance. The report put Wales well in the lead, with over 258,000 tonnes of CO2 savings a year, thanks to action by individuals, Local Authorities and the Welsh Government which has set legally binding targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050.
The report can be found here.
