'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

Michael Holder
Author spotlight

Michael Holder

Editor

View profile
More from Michael Holder

'I have made my choices': Rachel Reeves promises Spending Review will drive 'national renewal'

How Europe's 50 top sustainable companies are growing revenues faster than their peers

More on Recycling

The Salvation Army calls on brands and retailers with unwanted stock to help transform lives
Recycling

The Salvation Army calls on brands and retailers with unwanted stock to help transform lives

Charity's trading arm highlights opportunity for organisations to help meet their sustainability goals, reduce business waste costs, and free-up warehouse space for new stock

The Salvation Army
clock 03 June 2025 • 3 min read
'Government calls time on these nasty devices': Single-use vapes banned from tomorrow
Recycling

'Government calls time on these nasty devices': Single-use vapes banned from tomorrow

Ban on sale and supply of single-use vapes comes into force on Sunday 1 June in bid to halt 'avalanche of rubbish flooding the nation's streets'

Amber Rolt
clock 31 May 2025 • 4 min read
Viridor's Edita Adamcikova: 'Basing your net zero strategy on clear, science-based targets is fundamental'
Recycling

Viridor's Edita Adamcikova: 'Basing your net zero strategy on clear, science-based targets is fundamental'

Edita Adamcikova, ESG director at Viridor, the UK's largest operator of energy from waste facilities, unpacks the business, political, and societal complexities of building a net zero strategy ahead of the 2025 UK Green Business Awards

BusinessGreen staff
BusinessGreen staff
clock 21 May 2025 • 7 min read