Will the Minister confirm what assessments have been undertaken by Natural Resources Wales to understand the economic impact of its decision to discontinue the use of carpet fibres in equestrian surfaces on affected businesses in the carpet recycling and horseracing industries?
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) data indicates that less than one quarter of Welsh local authority collected carpet waste was sent to treatment facilities located in Wales. The Welsh local authority carpet waste going to equestrian surfaces being one of the outputs for this material which also goes to uses other than equestrian surfaces.
NRW have been engaging with the trade association Carpets Recycling UK who work with businesses in the supply chain to increase the amounts of carpet recycled. NRW has also written to those operators identified as being involved in handling this waste stream in Wales. To date, NRW have received no feedback or representation regarding the impact of this decision for users in Wales.
Welsh operators can still produce this material or its use in equestrian surfacing under an Environmental Permit. The requirement for an Environmental Permit allows for controls over its use to prevent such waste causing pollution.