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New minister encourages recycling at events

The Welsh Assembly Government’s new Minister for Sustainability and Housing – Jane Davidson Assembly Member – is encouraging visitors to this year’s Royal Welsh Show to recycle their rubbish both at home and away.

During her visit to Builth Wells today (23 July 2007), Jane Davidson Assembly Member toured the show’s recycling facilities and met with members of Waste Awareness Wales and Cylch (Wales Community Recycling Network). These organisations are working in partnership – to assist organisers of the biggest agricultural show in Europe with increasing the recycling of waste generated at the show, and to achieve the wider objectives Wales Events Recycling Project during the course of the year.

Visitors to the Royal Welsh Show will be able to use recycling facilities for cans and plastic bottles located around the showground and recycling wardens will be on hand for the duration of the four day event to help with any queries.  Cardboard and glass will be collected for recycling from trade stand holders too.

In an attempt to further increase recycling and to reduce waste at the showground, biodegradable packaging will be used by caterers in the main fast-food catering areas. This means visitors can dispose of their food waste along with their biodegradable plates, cups and cutlery in the same bins!  These materials can be composted following the show.

Those staying at the show will also be able to recycle as recycling facilities for plastic bottles, cans and paper will be located on the three main caravan parks.

Waste Awareness Wales will have a stand at the show for those wanting more information about the recycling facilities at the event, as well as information on the ‘recycle for Wales / ailgylchu dros Gymru’ campaign which provides advice to people on how to reduce, reuse and recycle at home.

Commenting on this year’s show, Jane Davidson Assembly Member, said:

"Recycling figures show that more and more of us in Wales are recycling at home but now we need to think about the waste we generate away from home.  It’s promising to see that organisers of some of the country’s biggest events are now taking waste management seriously. 

"The recycling facilities here at the Royal Welsh Show are second to none and so there’s no excuse for people visiting this very popular show not to recycle."

Councillor Richard Parry Hughes, chairperson for Waste Awareness Wales, added:

"We and some of our partners have been working closely with the Show’s organisers for a number of years and, in fact, trialled a new waste management scheme at last year’s event.

"We’ve tried to make it as easy as possible for people to recycle by placing the highly visible facilities in popular locations.  Those visiting can also help organisers cut down on the amount of waste generated by making sure they pack their food sensibly and by not taking overly-packaged goods to the showground."

The Waste Awareness Wales trade stand at the Royal Welsh Show is located at the Countryside Care area (CCA817)