Welsh authorities 'on target' to reduce landfill waste

The Welsh assembly has announced that every local authority in the country has met the limits set by the government for the amount of biodegradable waste sent to landfill sites.

Under the Landfill Allowances Scheme, councils are urged to encourage the composting and treatment of this waste rather than send it to such sites, to reduce the carbon emissions and other negative environmental effects caused by landfills.

In addition to meeting these local targets, Wales as a whole is reportedly within its 2009-10 European target.

Jane Davidson, minister for environment sustainability and housing, said: "I would like to congratulate every local authority for its hard work and commitment and for their continued success in working towards this target."

She added more effort was required by individuals and businesses alike to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.

The Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs notes the overall aim of the landfill directive from the European Union is to prevent the negative affects of such sites on the environment, specifically the reduction of water quality, soil quality and air quality.