THE amount of waste recycled in Wales has increased from less than five per cent 20 years ago to 64 per cent.

Figures for the 2016-2017 financial year show the average reuse, recycling and composting rate in Wales was 64 per cent, six per cent above the statutory 58 per cent rate.

Figures have also shown the amount of recyclable waste sent to landfill in Wales has fallen by 89 per cent since 2005.

The most recent figures show Newport’s recycling rate is 61 per cent, Torfaen’s is 64 per cent and Caerphilly’s 66 per cent.

Monmouthshire has the third-highest rate in Wales at 69 per cent. But Blaenau Gwent has the lowest recycling rate in Wales at 54 per cent. It is also the only local authority not to meet the 58 per cent target.

Natural Resources Wales chief executive Emyr Roberts said: “It is great to see that local authorities are stepping up to meet this challenge.

“Less waste going to landfill shows that we are managing our resources in a better, more sustainable way.

“However, considerable amounts of recyclable material are still being thrown away.

“This demonstrates further opportunities to keep resources in use for as long as possible as we aim to move towards a circular economy.

“Producing less waste and maximising recycling will ensure that we manage our limited resources in a better way, which is good for the people, economy and environment of Wales.”