However, while the WAG claimed that the latest data meant it was on track to meet the 40% goal for 2009/10 as a whole, the country will need to maintain its performance during the winter months when less green waste is traditionally collected in order to meet that target.
I applaud the excellent efforts of the local authorities and householders in Wales
Jane Davidson, Welsh minister for environment
The quarter two municipal recycling rate of 41.1%, is an improvement on the 37.6% achieved in the same period in 2008, and also builds on the 41% achieved in the first quarter of 2009/10 (April to June 2009) (see letsrecycle.com story).
Welsh minister for environment, Jane Davidson, said: “These statistics demonstrate that Wales is still recycling over 40% of its municipal waste and is continuing to exceed the 2009/10 recycling target of 40%. I applaud the excellent efforts of the local authorities and householders in Wales.”
Figures
Today's figures also showed that there had been a decline in municipal waste arisings, from falling from 438,590 in July to September 2008 to 433,000 tonnes for the period July to September 2009.
In addition, the figures show a fall in the amount of household waste produced per person, falling from 81kg per person in July to September 2008 to 77kg per person in the latest figures.
The next instalment of figures, for the period October to December 2009, is expected in March 2010, with a full overview of the financial year set to be available in October.
Councils
At a local authority level, Ceredigion council was the highest performing council with a 55% recycling rate for the quarter. Denbighshire council showed the greatest improvement in figures, leaping from 34% for the same period in 2008 to 53% in 2009.
The Isle of Anglesey council also achieved a high municipal recycling rate with 52%.
In the notes accompanying the statistical breakdown the Welsh Assembly Government acknowledged the better performance of rural areas during the second quarter of the year. This could be attributed to the increased composting during these months.
Valley authorities continued to achieve the lowest municipal recycling rates, with Blaenau Gwent council posting a 29% recycling rate.
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