The figures, which were published as Britain goes to the polls today (May 7) in what has been described as the closest General Election for a generation, show that England’s recycling rate for July to September 2014 was 47.2%, an improvement of just 0.1% for the same quarter 12 months earlier.
When compared to the previous three quarters, the figures show that England has achieved a 45% rolling recycling rate from October 2013 to September 2014.
This means that the country is still significantly short of the statutory 50% by 2020 target, which the UK as a whole is required to meet under EU law. Failure to hit the target is likely to result in a fine from the European Commission.
Barry Gardiner, Labour’s shadow environment minister has blamed inaction on recycling from the Coalition Government for the failure to match improvements in recycling made on the continent.
Resources
Speaking ahead of the publication of the figures yesterday, he said: “We’ve seen recycling rates plateau under the Tories and Lib Dems whilst our European partners are pushing ahead. The transition to a circular, low carbon economy is a huge opportunity for Britain, with the potential to be a major source of jobs and growth. Labour will develop an active industrial strategy for the green economy and deliver a Stern-style review of resource security to unlock the economic opportunities from greater resource efficiency.”
The Conservative Party has not offered any comment on the figures, but it is thought that lack of improvement throughout 2014 will make unpleasant reading for David Cameron’s Party and the Liberal Democrats, especially after the Coalition opted to ‘step back’ from any new initiatives on waste and recycling following the appointment of Dan Rogerson as resources minister in 2013.
Manifesto
The Conservatives have offered little clue in their manifesto as to how they would seek to address flat-lining recycling rates after the election if they remain in government, but have pledged to continue support for the Green Investment Bank.
However, Coalition Partners the Liberal Democrats have indicated that they would push for a statutory 70% by 2030 recycling target as well as exploring the possibility of a tax on incineration, if they continue to work in government after today’s vote.
Related Links
– Defra: Quarterly local authority collected waste management statistics
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