League table prompts call for ‘more ambition’

While responses to the recycling league table with Rochford top at 66.78% have been broadly positive, LARAC chair Joy Blizzard has criticised targets for England as lacking in ambition.

And, recycling data expert Len Attrill of consultants WYG questioned why rural shire districts similar to those included in the data were not also attaining rates of 60% or more.

‘Even when England’s targets lack ambition compared to other parts of the UK, these local councils are showing the way.’

Joy Blizzard, LARAC chair

The league table, which compared predicted recycling, composting and reuse rates between the top-performing collection authorities in England, was published by letsrecycle.com on Friday (August 30) (see letsrecycle.com story).

Commenting on the findings, Ms Blizzard said: These are great results and show just what can be achieved in difficult financial times. Even when England’s targets lack ambition compared to other parts of the UK, these local councils are showing the way.

Mr Attrill said: This is great data that shows it is important to reduce, reuse and recycle, but the next thing we need to ask is what happens to the other fraction that is leftover.

He added: This is the benchmark we need to get to with recycling. There are some similar councils to those listed here, Stockport exempted, that do not feature in the top 10 or even the top 20.

Further responses to the data reflected on the accomplishments of those councils that were indicated to achieve high recycling rates this year and the work of the collection contractors.

Unique

Barry Dennis, director general of the Environmental Services Association (ESA) which represents the waste management industry, congratulated local authorities for their continued recycling efforts despite economic challenges.

He said: It is encouraging to see that councils, and ESA members, are continuing to work with residents to recycle more in these tough economic times. The services that our members provide enable this recycling to be collected, and help drive the developing circular economy. The fact that recycling and reuse rates are being maintained shows the unique relationship that our members have with councils in developing tailor made waste management solutions that deliver results.

I would like to commend councils and ESA members for all the hard work they have put in to collecting and developing recycling and reuse collections across the country, which has pushed our recycling rate towards the 50% 2020 target.

Commitment

Commenting on the findings, regional manager of SITA UK Dave Swire said: We are thrilled that Rochford has topped the recycling league. We constantly work in partnership with the council to enhance the service and keep recycling at the forefront of people’s minds to ensure that the rate keeps going up.

I would like to thank residents and, of course, the guys on the ground who are out collect recycling in all weathers for a great team effort.

Finally, Cllr Mike Jones, chairman of the LGAs Environment and Housing Board, said: Councils now recycle more than we ever have before. Recycling rates have more than trebled in a decade, which is testament to the commitment and determination of local authorities working with their residents.