The increase from the 13% rate seen in 2001-02 represents a doubling of increases seen between previous years. The government said the increase puts the national target of 17% by 2003-04 “within reach”.
- To see which English local authorities are the best recyclers and composters, click here.
Commenting on the figures, environment minister Elliot Morley said: “Local authorities are working extremely hard to put in place long term solutions to increase recycling. In the last year there have been some outstanding examples which help provide the key to diverting waste away from landfill.”
About 20% of local authorities have already reached their 2003-04 recycling and composting targets, while nine out of ten local authorities reported an overall increase in recycling since 2001-02.
DEFRA's Waste Implementation Programme is allocating 174 million to councils over the next three years to help divert waste from landfill.
However, Mr Morley revealed concerns about the one in ten authorities that have not seen any apparent progress.
Mr Morley said: “Despite the good news, I am still concerned that one in ten local authorities failed to improve their recycling rate this year. Every local authority needs to play its part if we are to meet the very challenging national target of 25% in 2005-06.”
The government warned that it has the powers to act where authorities are failing to meet statutory performance standards on recycling and composting. However, ministers said intervention powers would be used only as a last resort.
For full recycling and composting results for English local authorities, click here.
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