AMs say yes to proposed new green law that aims to help turn Wales into zero-waste country by 2050

A cross-party committee of Assembly members have supported in principle a proposed new law that aims to reduce the amount of waste and litter in Wales.

The proposed Waste (Wales) Measure 2010 will allow Welsh Ministers to require Welsh retailers to pass on the proceeds of a charge on plastic bags to worthwhile projects.

It will also establish statutory targets for the percentage of waste to be recycled by each local council.

The law is part of the Welsh Government’s strategy to turn Wales into a zero-waste country by 2050.

“The Welsh Government has already committed to implementing a voluntary scheme where retailers will pass all proceeds from a charge on carrier bags to worthy projects,” said Committee Chair Jenny Randerson AM.

“This Measure simply enshrines in law the power that Welsh Ministers will have to insist that all proceeds from this scheme go to those projects in the event that the voluntary scheme is not successful.

“The Committee believes this legislation will help to ensure that Wales leads the way in cutting down the number of single-use plastic bags in circulation, thereby creating a cleaner greener future for Wales.”

The proposed Measure will also provide Welsh Ministers with the power to ban or restrict the deposit of specified kinds of waste in landfill site.

Ministers would also get the power to make regulation about fees and charging schemes in relation to Site Waste Management Plans (SWMPs) which will be introduced for the construction and demolition sector.

Although the Members supported the aims of the proposed Measure, the report contains significant recommendations seeking further detail and clarity from the Minister, because much of the proposed Measure is in framework form. Many witnesses said they found it difficult to comment because of the lack of detail, and Members believe this needs to be addressed.

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