12/09/2005
Figures show surge in recycling
Recycling of household waste has doubled in the last four years, according to provisional figures published today by Defra.
The figures show that English households recycled more than a fifth of their waste in 2004/05, though unaudited, the figures provide a good indication of the level of recycling achieved.
Performance around the country varies with, on average, residents in the North East recycling the least (16%) and people in East of England recycling the most (29%). The greatest leap has been in the East Midlands, up 7% on last year to 27%.
Local Environmental Quality Minister, Ben Bradshaw, said: “We've doubled the amount we recycle in just four years. These figures prove how much more people understand the importance of recycling compared to even just four years ago.
“There’s no doubt we can be proud of our progress to date, but now it's time to build on that and start catching up with some of Europe’s top recyclers. Every person in England is currently recycling enough to fill 8 green wheelie bins, but we could be recycling as much as 20 bins worth – up to 60% of our waste."
Mr Bradshaw said the 2010 target of 30% of waste being recycled should be met sooner rather than later.
According to Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP), which runs the Government’s national Recycle Now campaign for England, every household could recycle up to 60% of its waste.
This is reflected in some European recycling rates: Germany recycles 57% of its waste; Netherlands recycles 64%; and Denmark 41% - levels of recycling that some English local authorities, like Lichfield, are already reaching.
A new multi-million pilot programme based on local authority household incentives is due to start in October.
The pilot will test and assess various approaches to incentivising household behaviour regards recycling.
(SP)
The figures show that English households recycled more than a fifth of their waste in 2004/05, though unaudited, the figures provide a good indication of the level of recycling achieved.
Performance around the country varies with, on average, residents in the North East recycling the least (16%) and people in East of England recycling the most (29%). The greatest leap has been in the East Midlands, up 7% on last year to 27%.
Local Environmental Quality Minister, Ben Bradshaw, said: “We've doubled the amount we recycle in just four years. These figures prove how much more people understand the importance of recycling compared to even just four years ago.
“There’s no doubt we can be proud of our progress to date, but now it's time to build on that and start catching up with some of Europe’s top recyclers. Every person in England is currently recycling enough to fill 8 green wheelie bins, but we could be recycling as much as 20 bins worth – up to 60% of our waste."
Mr Bradshaw said the 2010 target of 30% of waste being recycled should be met sooner rather than later.
According to Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP), which runs the Government’s national Recycle Now campaign for England, every household could recycle up to 60% of its waste.
This is reflected in some European recycling rates: Germany recycles 57% of its waste; Netherlands recycles 64%; and Denmark 41% - levels of recycling that some English local authorities, like Lichfield, are already reaching.
A new multi-million pilot programme based on local authority household incentives is due to start in October.
The pilot will test and assess various approaches to incentivising household behaviour regards recycling.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 September 2005
Household waste recycling doubles
The amount of household waste being recycled has doubled in the last four years, the latest figures from Defra have found. More than a fifth (23%) of household waste produced by homes in England was recycled in 2004/05, according to the latest figures. However, there were variations in different regions around the country.
Household waste recycling doubles
The amount of household waste being recycled has doubled in the last four years, the latest figures from Defra have found. More than a fifth (23%) of household waste produced by homes in England was recycled in 2004/05, according to the latest figures. However, there were variations in different regions around the country.
14 February 2006
Government consults on waste proposals
Among the Government's proposals put forward in a major consultation on the waste problem in England is giving a greater strategic role to local authorities.
Government consults on waste proposals
Among the Government's proposals put forward in a major consultation on the waste problem in England is giving a greater strategic role to local authorities.
18 January 2005
England on course to meet recycling target
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Margaret Beckett, has said that England is recycling more household waste than ever. Speaking at a meeting of the Associated Parliamentary Waste Group, Mrs Beckett said that England was on course to meet its national and composting target of 17% in 2003/04.
England on course to meet recycling target
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Margaret Beckett, has said that England is recycling more household waste than ever. Speaking at a meeting of the Associated Parliamentary Waste Group, Mrs Beckett said that England was on course to meet its national and composting target of 17% in 2003/04.
12 August 2003
Bids invited for £135m waste management grant
Local authorities are set to gain a further £135 million from government to pursue sustainable waste management initiatives across England. The new Waste Performance Reward Grant will be introduced in 2005/06 and will build on the Waste Minimisation and Recycling Fund.
Bids invited for £135m waste management grant
Local authorities are set to gain a further £135 million from government to pursue sustainable waste management initiatives across England. The new Waste Performance Reward Grant will be introduced in 2005/06 and will build on the Waste Minimisation and Recycling Fund.
11 August 2004
English households recycling more waste than ever
Recycling of household waste such as newspapers, compost, glass, plastic and tin cans is at its highest ever level, the government has said today.
English households recycling more waste than ever
Recycling of household waste such as newspapers, compost, glass, plastic and tin cans is at its highest ever level, the government has said today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.