'We're getting a lot wrong on waste': New data confirms UK recycling rate fell during pandemic-hit 2020

Michael Holder
clock • 3 min read
UK recycling rate have stood at around 45 per cent for over a decade | Credit: iStock
Image:

UK recycling rate have stood at around 45 per cent for over a decade | Credit: iStock

Environmental groups demand more action and support from government to drive up household recycling rates in wake of latest figures

UK household recycling rates appear to be heading in the wrong direction once again, with the latest official figures showing the recycling rate fell 1.6 per cent in 2020. The latest annual statistics...

To continue reading this article...

Join BusinessGreen

In just a few clicks you can start your free BusinessGreen Lite membership for 12 months, providing you access to:

  • Three complimentary articles per month covering the latest real-time news, analysis, and opinion from Europe’s leading source of information on the Green economy and business
  • Receive important and breaking news stories via our daily news alert
  • Our weekly newsletter with the best of the week’s green business news and analysis

Join now

 

Already a BusinessGreen member?

Login

More on Recycling

A new reuse symbol aims to be as recognisable as the recycling logo - and make more of a difference

A new reuse symbol aims to be as recognisable as the recycling logo - and make more of a difference

Could a new label help emerging re-use services cut through with the public?

Cressida Bowyer, University of Portsmouth and Kate Whitman, University of Portsmouth - The Conversation
clock 04 June 2026 • 5 min read
Report: UK's ageing wind turbines and EVs contain critical magnet 'goldmine'

Report: UK's ageing wind turbines and EVs contain critical magnet 'goldmine'

UK urged to develop domestic recycling system for neodymium, as evidence shows circular approach could cut costs, imports, and environmental damage

Michael Holder
clock 01 June 2026 • 3 min read
Study: 'Retailer recycling lottery' risks undermining UK ban on single use vapes

Study: 'Retailer recycling lottery' risks undermining UK ban on single use vapes

Lack of information and access to recycling points mean almost half of vapers are still unaware devices can be recycled, new study claims

Stuart Stone
clock 29 May 2026 • 6 min read