Launched during this year’s Recycle Week, the campaign asks everyone to ‘Be Mighty, Recycle’ and make changes in how they recycle. Local authorities across Wales have adapted the ‘Be Mighty, Recycle’ message locally to use in their own Recycle Week activities.
Research
The Welsh Government said it wants Wales to become a zero waste nation by 2050, and said it is “on track” to hit the 70% recycling target by 2025, however research by WRAP Wales showed that almost half of Welsh citizens still put at least one recyclable item into the residual waste.
Following this research, the government explained that the campaign will encourage “increased recycling in all forms”, including items around the home such as aerosols, shampoo and shower gel bottles which are “often overlooked”.
(above: Chef Matthew Pritchard promoting the recycling message)
‘Important journey’
Launching the campaign in Cardiff, deputy minister for housing and local government Hannah Blythyn, said: “Wales may be small but when it comes to recycling, we punch above our weight. Our efforts on recycling have become renowned across the world, whilst here in Wales it has become part of our culture. We have shown that we are a leader when it comes to recycling and everyone has played their part.
“But we know there are easy steps we can take to help us get to number one. Over the last few months, when we have been spending more time at home, we have become more aware of the waste we produce. It’s important that people recycle everything they can – from online order packaging, home schooling supplies and food waste.
“We are on an important journey to create a circular economy by keeping resources in use for as long as possible and avoiding waste. This campaign highlights the small changes every person across the country can make to be mighty and make a real difference in helping Wales tackle the climate change emergency.”
‘Colossal’
Matt Pritchard said: “I’m always up for a challenge which is why I’m getting behind Wales’ mighty mission to get to number one in the world for recycling.
“Joining the collection workers on their round has been a real eye opener. I can see for myself the colossal amount of food waste already being collected from people’s homes, there’s tonnes of it! And all this food waste gives us power – when it’s collected it’s treated and converted into electricity to power our homes.”
Mr Pritchard continued: “There’s still more we can all do. If like me, you spend loads of time in the kitchen, make sure all your inedible food waste is going to the right place. Fruit and vegetable peelings, tea bags and coffee grounds as well as any plate scrapings, cooked or not, can all go into your food waste bin. It’s really easy to do and it’s something we can all do to keep making Wales cleaner and greener. So, the challenge is on – let’s get Wales to number one.”
Ranking
In a statement, the Welsh Government said: “Wales has come a long way since 1999, increasing recycling from 5% to over 60% Despite being ranked first in the UK, second in Europe and third in the world for household waste recycling, there is still more that can be done if Wales is to become the world leader.
“The ambition of the Welsh Government is to become a zero waste nation by 2050, but recycling doesn’t just tackle waste, it also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and provides resources to make new products.”
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