People in Wales recycled 49% of their waste between October and December 2011. This is a record increase of 6% against the same three months in 2010.

The latest report published by the Welsh Government on local authority municipal waste management shows that for the second successive quarter people have recycled almost half (49%) of their waste.

The statistics also report that residual household waste has continued to fall. During October – December every person in Wales produced 54 kilograms of waste, a drop of 5 kg per person from the October – December 2010.

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Environment Minister, John Griffiths, said: "I am delighted that the people of Wales are continuing to manage their waste in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner and I congratulate local authorities in Wales for their pivotal part in this success.

"Recycling 49% of our waste for the second successive quarter is particularly impressive as rates tend to drop during winter months. This shows that the rate of recycling in Wales continues to increase.

"One reason for our good progress is that every local authority in Wales offers weekly food collection services. Separating out food waste not only diverts significant waste away from landfill, it also makes us far more aware of the food we are wasting, which can often result in reduced waste and lower food bills."

(CD)