At Go Green Now, we are always looking for “green-spiration” from around the globe, and today, all eyes are on Wales.
New figures just released show that Wales has reached a phenomenal recycling rate of 68.4% for 2024-25.
This isn’t just a small step; it’s a giant leap toward the nation’s goal of becoming zero-waste. To put this in perspective, before devolution, Wales was recycling just 5% of its waste. Today, they are 2nd in the world, trailing only Austria!
Here is why this is a massive win for the planet and what we can learn from the Welsh model.
The Workplace Revolution
One of the biggest drivers of this latest spike is a change in how businesses handle waste. New workplace recycling measures were introduced last year, requiring all businesses, public sector offices, and charities to separate their recyclable materials.
The results?
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+42% increase in recyclable material collected from workplaces (an extra 8,187 tonnes!).
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15.8% drop in residual (non-recyclable) waste from businesses.
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Zero-waste focus: Thousands of tonnes of valuable materials are being fed back into the circular economy instead of being burned or buried.
Bye-Bye, Landfill
Perhaps the most staggering statistic is the decline of the landfill. In the late 90s, Wales sent 95% of its waste to landfill. In 2024-25, that number plummeted to just 0.7%. This shows that with the right infrastructure and public buy-in, we really can move away from “dumping” our problems in the ground.
Leading the Way: The Local Heroes
While the national average is 68.4%, many local councils are already smashing the 70% statutory target.
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Pembrokeshire is leading the charge with a 73.5% recycling rate.
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Monmouthshire, Swansea, and Newport are also among the 12 councils that have already cleared the 70% hurdle.
What This Means for Us
As Huw Irranca-Davies, the Deputy First Minister for Climate Change, put it: “Recycling is now a part of who we are as a nation.”
This success didn’t happen by accident. It took over £1 billion in investment and a total shift in public attitude. It proves that when a government prioritises the environment and provides the tools for citizens and businesses to do the right thing, incredible change is possible.
Go Green Now Tip: Take a leaf out of the Welsh book! Whether you’re at home or in the office, take that extra second to separate your card, plastic, and food waste. Every tonne saved from the bin is a win for our future. If you’re looking for options when it comes to recycling, check out our directory members!
Want to see your community hit these numbers? Share this post and let’s get the conversation started!