Speaking at Cardiff City Stadium, Dr Goodwin, chief executive officer of the Waste & Resources Action Programme, commended the Welsh effort to roll out new recycling initiatives and for achieving an overall recycling rate of 54%.
Dr Goodwin added that Wales is the ‘first and only’ nation in the UK where all local authorities offer a separate food, or food and green waste collection – something she would like to see adopted across the country.
Interview
And, alluding to her interview with letsrecycle.com last month, she heralded the Collaborative Change Programme as an example of ‘partnerships in action’, which has helped local authorities to save £10.7 million per year.
Dr Goodwin’s comments came as delegates from across the waste industry descended on the conference to hear case studies from Welsh businesses on how to create a ‘resource efficient future’ for Wales.
Addressing scepticism that the relatively small size of Wales made it easier to encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices than other parts of the UK, Dr Goodwin added that such an assertion would be ‘selling Wales short’.
‘Firsts’
Dr Goodwin said: “Today is also a day of to discuss many firsts. Firsts for Wales, firsts for Welsh Government, and firsts for WRAP Cymru. If we take a look at Wales role in the resource efficiency agenda, there are many firsts.
“On UK recycling rates, Wales is in first place at 54%, and with no signs of slowing. Wales is the first and only nation in the UK where every local authority offers a separate food, or food and green waste collection. Something I believe is essential if we are to maximise our chances in reducing food waste going to landfill. Something too that I would like to see adopted throughout the UK.
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“Wales is the first and only country in the UK with statutory recycling rates for municipal waste. Whether you agree with that or not, it undoubtedly motivates action to help the overall recycling targets. And Wales was the first country in the UK to introduce charges for single use carrier bags. A small nation yes, but one that is big on ambition and action.”
Delegates were also keen to hear the future direction of WRAP – which is currently in the process of seeking charitable status.
Charity
Dr Goodwin said she ‘passionately’ believed that the organisation’s roles – which includes work with re-use groups and the Love Food Hate Waste campaign – made it a charitable already.
She added: “I passionately believe that much of our work is charitable by nature already. This next step will allow us to cement this philosophy. Allowing us to diversify our funding, types of partnerships, and ways of working. Making us flexible, to adapt to new opportunities.
“But, not at the expense of what we are renowned for: Our evidence based research. Our role as a catalyst to accelerate changes in the behaviour of businesses, local authorities, communities and households. All to deliver the economic and environmental benefits of a resource efficient way of working.”
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