Wales recycled nearly half of its waste (49%) in the last quarter of 2011, according to new figures from the Welsh Government. The figures show each person in the country produced 54kg of waste, five less than same period the year before.

This compares favourably with England, which recycled, composted or reused an average of 42% of its household waste between 2010 and 2011, according to Defra.

Welsh Environment Minister John Griffiths said: “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.”

He added Wales hope to meet “challenging” targets to recycle 70% by 2025 and have zero waste by 2050.