England Household Waste Recycling Doubles in Last Four Years

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Recycling of household waste in England has doubled in the last four years, according to new provisional figures published today by Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).

LONDON — Recycling of household waste has doubled in the last four years, according to new provisional figures published today by Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).


The figures show that English households recycled more than a fifth of their waste -- approaching 23% -- in 2004/05. They are the first signal of recycling rates in 2004/05 which, though unaudited, provide a good indication of the level being 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."


According to WRAP (the Waste and Resources Action Programme), 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%, a figure that some English local authorities, like Lichfield, are already reaching.


Also today, Recycle Now, the national recycling campaign for England, has announced today that it will receive a further GBP20 million funding from Defra to build on the success of the campaign and encourage more people to recycle more household waste more often.


Recycle Now, delivered by WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) on behalf of the Government, was launched in September 2004 with funding of GBP10 million until March 2006. The campaign was spearheaded by a series of TV adverts featuring the voice of comedian Eddie Izzard.


Defra has provided a range of funding and support measures for local authorities to boost recycling, and Defra and WRAP are continuing to work with local authorities and retailers to pilot and roll out new ways - from new technology at recycling 'bring' banks to financial incentives such as discount vouchers - to get people recycling more.


Source: PR Newswire, Waste & Resources Action Programme