National Refill Day: Number of water refill stations in Wales 'increased 100-fold' in last year

Wales
Wales
plastic pollution
Environment
Wednesday 19 June 2019 at 6:00am

Credit: PA

As the UK marks National Refill Day, the number of water refill stations in Wales has increased "100-fold" over the last year, according to new figures.

The aim of the refill campaign is to cut down on plastic waste by encouraging consumers to reuse bottles instead of buying new ones each time.

A Welsh Assembly committee has called for 'change at a systemic level' to tackle plastic pollution. Credit: PA

Over the past year, the number of refill water stations across the country has risen to more than 1000 - an increase from less than ten in 2018.

More have been unveiled to mark National Refill Day, with two stations opened by the First Minister at Cardiff Airport.

As well as new water fountains in Cardiff Airport, stations were opened in Cardiff Bay, Caerphilly Castle and Belle Vue Park, in Newport.

Last year a new app was launched to help walkers on the Wales Coast Path get access to free drinking water along the route.

Research suggests the presence of microplastic in Welsh rivers is a 'major concern'.

It comes after a recent Assembly Committee warned Wales "cannot waste another day in the battle against plastic pollution".

Last year the Welsh Government vowed to make Wales the world's first refill nation.