Will the Minister confirm what evidence Natural Resources Wales has to support its decision to discontinue the use of carpet fibre in equestrian surfaces?
Natural Resources Wales’ (NRW) withdrew their Low Risk Waste Recovery Operation (LRWRO) [allowing a waste activity for which there is no current exemption covered in the Environmental Permitting Regulations] due to the risk that using carpet fibre can introduce Persistent Organic Pollutants, microplastics and microfibres into the environment. For example a study on Toxics in Carpets, produced by Anthesis Consulting Group PLC identified a list of 59 toxic substances used in carpets. NRW are therefore undertaking further work to understand the nature of Persistent Organic Pollutants in this waste stream.