English recycling rates reach 40 per cent
Recycling is a key way to reduce emissions from climate change as well as reducing the use of non-renewable metals and minerals; the EU has recognised this by implementing strict recycling targets across Europe.
Recycling is a key way to reduce emissions from climate change as well as reducing the use of non-renewable metals and minerals; the EU has recognised this by implementing strict recycling targets across Europe. England is now well on the way to meeting these targets after falling behind Europe in the last few decades.
Government statistics reveal 41.2 per cent of household waste is recycled in England, a 1.5% increase on 2010 and finally breaking the 40 per cent barrier. Rates increased in the vast majority of councils with some reaching more than 65 per cent rates. The rate consists of dry recycling and composting combined, with incineration and landfill making up the other 58.8 per cent. The EU target is for the UK to reach rates of 50% recycling by 2020. A year on year increase similar to the last few years would see the UK reach these targets, although more will have to be done to carry on this trend over the coming decade.
Despite this general positive trend in recycling, the government has been criticised for the voluntary natures of schemes in its Waste Review earlier this year. It has also looked to reintroduce weekly bin collections, something originally phased out in order to increase recycling rates.
Recycling rates in Scotland are at 38.2 per cent, Northern Ireland 41.5 per cent and Wales 48 per cent. Austria and Germany have the best recycling rate in Europe with around 70 per cent and 66 per cent of waste recycled respectively. The UK’s rates are however, significantly higher than in the eastern region of the EU, where recycling and composting rates are low to non-existent. Bulgaria currently landfills 100 per cent of its waste, Romania 99 per cent and Lithuania 95 per cent.