Global Recycling Day: Almost three quarters of Welsh adults would recycle more to help Wales become best recycling country in the world

Wales already has the third highest recycling rate in the world for recycling* – beaten only by Singapore and Germany – but of those surveyed, only one in three (34%) were aware of Wales’ third place ranking, although 57% said knowing this made them feel proud. 

The survey also found that over one third of Welsh adults (36%) said they would recycle to preserve the environment for future generations, while 34% said they would recycle because they thought it’s the right thing to do.

Welsh households already recycle 63% of their waste (1), so small changes could make a big difference in helping Wales get to number one. 

Carl Nichols, Head of WRAP Cymru which runs the Recycle for Wales campaign, said: “It’s no surprise that the majority of adults surveyed want to help Wales become the best recycling nation in the world. We want to preserve our beautiful country for generations to come, we’re already amongst the best in the world in recycling, and we’ve already come such a long way. That’s why we’re confident Wales can get to first place in the World Recycling League if we all play our part.

“Making small changes can make a big difference. From putting tea bags and fruit and vegetable peels in food caddies instead of the bin to recycling from all the rooms in our homes – not just the kitchen. Even remembering to recycle aerosol cans and household cleaning bottles, as well as the obvious things like paper and card, glass bottles and cans, can help us get to number one.”

To find out more about what you can do to help get Wales to number one, see what else you can recycle in your local area: www.recycleforwales.org.uk/local-recycling 

*This refers to municipal waste – i.e. waste which is collected by local authorities or taken to a household waste recycling centre.

(1) Welsh Government statistic