Fines for not recycling your rubbish - council in Wales 'need more powers' to issue penalties

Credit: PA

People in Wales could be fined for not recycling their rubbish if rates don't improve.

The Welsh Local Government Association says penalties may have to be applied where householders persistently failing to sort out their rubbish and leave it out in the appropriate bags and bins.

The fines suggestion comes as figures released today show Wales is recycling more than ever before - although some councils are lagging behind in reaching targets.

More: How to recycle better: tips and facts for the new year

Wales now recycles, reuses or composts 56% of its rubbish. Credit: PA

The Welsh Government says Wales is recycling more than ever before and continues to lead the UK.

Today's figures show that over the last year 56% of the rubbish produced in Wales is reused, recycled or composted - a 2% increase on the previous year.

However the Welsh Government has a 100% target of all household waste being recycled in future to avoid landfill.

More:People in Wales urged to recycle even more in 2014

Some Welsh councils are behind in their waste recycling targets. Credit: PA

The WLGA says if recycling rates are to improve councils need stronger powers to fine householders who do not recycle properly.

According to letsrecycle.com Denbighshire has maintained its lead as the top performing recycling authority in Wales with Pembrokeshire trumping Monmouthshire to become the second highest performing authority.

However, a number of Welsh local authorities are continuing to lag behind the 56% average.

Merthyr Tydfil achieved a provisional recycling rate of 51% – still someway off hitting next year’s 58% target.

And, Cardiff will have to achieve a 5% increase in time for the 2015/16 benchmark.