Burnham backs Wrexham's recycling boost in Welsh war on waste

4.26.44pm GMT Thu 1st Mar 2007

Eleanor Burnham AM has praised the efforts of Wrexham Council to combat rising levels of household rubbish by extending the kerb-side collection rounds for recyclables for 100% coverage from the next financial year.

Following revelations that landfill space in Wales is due to run out in just 5 years, Ms Burnham has praised the action taken by Wrexham County Borough Council which will reduce the need for landfilling in the region. During the coming financial year all residents in Wrexham County Borough will be able to recycle their glass, tins, paper and separate bio-degradable waste which would otherwise have ended up in a landfill tip.

Officials are also hopeful that in the near future composting of biodegradable waste will be modernized, meaning less odour-escape and more ventilation.

Ms Burnham, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for North Wales, said: "I am delighted that out of all the North Wales councils, Wrexham is the first to take major steps in tackling our dependence on land-filling with 100% availability of kerb-side recycling.

"Landfill space throughout Wales is rapidly running out and unless more local authorities take this on board quickly we are likely to have a waste-management crisis on our hands. We need more action like that of Wrexham County Borough Council to combat our war on waste.

"I would still like to see Environment minister Carwyn Jones engaging fully with local authorities on alternative ways and means of disposing of and processing Welsh waste.

"Wrexham have taken the first step in this case, but many councils and local authorities need practical help from the Welsh Assembly Government in attacking their waste-management problems. Government targets are one thing, but standing back while local authorities struggle to meet them is unacceptable."

Notes/nodiadau:

Wrexham County Borough Council is introducing further recycling for residents this April.

All residents living in the Wrexham County Borough will now be able to recycle their glass, tins, paper and separate biodegradable waste that would have been destined for landfilling through kerb-side collection rounds. This far exceeds any levels envisaged by Labour.

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