Recycling in Wales – Doing Our Part for a Greener Nation

Wales is leading the way — and we’re proud to be part of it.

Wales: A Global Leader in Recycling

Wales is ranked second in the world for recycling rates, a remarkable achievement for a small nation with a big commitment to sustainability. The country takes recycling seriously — not as a trend, but as a way of life. From households to businesses, everyone is expected to play their part in reducing waste and protecting the stunning Welsh landscapes we all enjoy. As a guest here, you’re an important part of that effort.

How to Prepare & Sort Recycling in Wales

Wales operates a strict, separated recycling system. This means items are not all thrown into one bin; they are carefully sorted into different categories. To help you recycle correctly during your stay:

1. Pre-Cleaning Your Recycling

• Rinse food and drink containers — tins, cans, bottles, and plastic tubs should be emptied and given a quick rinse to remove residue.

• No need to scrub perfectly clean — just make sure there’s no leftover food or drink to avoid contamination.

• Remove lids when possible — plastic bottle tops and jar lids should be removed and recycled separately.

2. Sorting Your Items

Most councils in Wales use colour-coded bags or boxes. The exact colours vary by local authority, but the categories are generally:

• Paper & Cardboard — newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes (flattened).

• Plastic Containers — bottles, tubs, trays (no plastic film or bags unless specifically stated).

• Metal Cans & Foil — drink cans, food tins, clean foil.

• Glass — bottles and jars (separated by colour in some areas).

• Food Waste — placed in a separate food caddy, lined with compostable bags.

• Non-Recyclable Waste — items that cannot be recycled go into a separate bin for landfill.

A recycling guide will be provided at your rental, showing exactly where to place each type of item based on the local council’s rules.

History & Impact of Recycling in Wales

Wales’s recycling success didn’t happen overnight. In the early 2000s, the country’s recycling rate was just over 5% — among the lowest in Europe. Determined to change, the Welsh Government introduced progressive environmental policies and invested heavily in public awareness campaigns.

Key milestones include:

• 2001 – Introduction of statutory recycling targets for local authorities.

• 2010 – Launch of the Towards Zero Waste strategy, aiming for a zero-waste nation by 2050.

• 2013 – Most councils switched to separate kerbside collections, greatly improving material quality.

• 2020 – Wales achieved a recycling rate of 65.4%, surpassing EU targets.

• 2024 – Wales remains second in the world, just behind Germany, and is on track to meet its 70% recycling target by 2025.

The Benefits So Far:

• Carbon Savings: Recycling in Wales prevents around 400,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually — equivalent to taking over 200,000 cars off the road.

• Job Creation: The recycling sector supports thousands of jobs, from collection crews to sorting facility staff.

• Cleaner Communities: Recycling initiatives have reduced landfill waste by millions of tonnes, helping protect Welsh rivers, coastlines, and green spaces.

• Global Recognition: Wales’s approach is studied by other countries seeking to improve their waste management systems.