Recycling levels in Wales rose notably in the last three months of 2010, according to the latest figures from the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG).
Municipal waste and composting in Wales reached 42 per cent by December, reflecting an increase of five per cent on the same period in 2009, Materials Recycling Week reports.
However, largely due to poor weather, the figure represents a three per cent drop from the preceding three-month period.
Welsh environment minister Jane Davidson said that considering the harsh winter, the figures indicate a real boost for the region.
"I want to thank all the residents, local authorities and businesses across Wales who have done so much over recent years to reduce their waste and recycle more," she told the publication.
The WAG recently unveiled ambitious targets to recycle 70 per cent of its waste by 2025, which it claims will make the country a "world leader" in the sector.
Typical Guttridge equipment used in the recycling industry includes:
