Circular Economy Blueprints

Wales launched the Collections Blueprint 2025, updating comprehensive best practice guidance that has helped establish the country as a global recycling leader with internationally recognized household recycling rates. The updated blueprint builds on the original 2011 document by incorporating lessons learned from local authorities across Wales and aligning with the country's circular economy strategy, Beyond Recycling, while supporting the statutory minimum recycling target of 70%.

This strategic initiative addresses not only recycling but also waste prevention, moving materials up the waste hierarchy and away from landfill while supporting infrastructure for widespread repair and reuse programs. Wales' recycling success already reduces emissions by approximately 400,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually while attracting significant inward investment, including new facilities like the Jayplas plastic recycling plant in Swansea and the redeveloped Shotton Mill containerboard manufacturing facility.

The blueprint's emphasis on circular economy principles as a core element of green growth and job creation demonstrates how environmental leadership can drive economic benefits, potentially inspiring other regions to adopt similar comprehensive approaches to waste management and circular economy transition.