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How much household waste do we create each year in the UK?
35.1 million tonnes of household waste. This is 1 million tonnes less than in 2004/2005, which is very encouraging!
How much of this was recycled and/ or composted?
In 2005/06, 27% (9.4 million tonnes) was recycled or composted. In 1996/97 only 6% of waste was recycled, so recycling rates in the UK are much improved and are continuing to rise each year. For more facts about recycling please click here
National waste targets and recycling rates
England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland have each developed a National Waste Strategy which outlines how the UK plans to deal with the increasing amount of rubbish produced each year.
Click here for further details about each national waste strategy and the targets that have been set. We have also listed all the latest national waste and recycling rates for you below.
England waste & recycling rates
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Household recycling rate |
Household waste sent to landfill |
Average household waste created per person |
| 2006/07 |
30.9% |
16.9 million tonnes |
353kg |
| 2007/08 |
34.5% |
15.5 million tonnes |
324kg |
The household recycling rates above have increased significantly from 7.5% in
1996/97. The data also shows that England is on track to recycle/ compost 40% of
its household waste by 2010.
(source: www.defra.gov.uk)
Scotland waste & recycling rates
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|
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
Household Waste Arisings
(million tonnes) |
3.32 |
3.41 |
3.42 |
3.44 |
| Household recycling/composting rate |
12.1% |
17.3% |
24.4% |
28.4% |
(source: www.scotland.gov.uk)
Northern Ireland waste & recycling rates
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2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
| Household Waste Arisings (tonnes) |
919,169 |
937,331 |
938,726 |
928,122 |
| Household recycling/composting rate |
18.9% |
24.5% |
27.7% |
31.9% |
(source: www.ni-environment.gov.uk)
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