North West recycling figures show mixed results

The average recycling rate of the region is 41.3 per cent– slightly lower than the new national average of 43.5 per cent announced last week.

In Lancashire, there are mixed results. Preston City Council improved its rate by 3.5 per cent from 2012/13 and actually moved 27 places up the national ranking. But its rate still stands at 38.1 per cent. In contrast, South Ribble scores 50.5 per cent, and Chorley 48.7 per cent.

National recycling and resource management company SITA UK has compiled maps and data tables, which show the highest to lowest performers using the latest, up-to-date, annual data.

Stockport Council retains the highest recycling rate in the North West with a rate of 61.1 per cent – placing it as the fifth best performing authority in England

Liverpool City Council has the lowest recycling rate in the region with 26.9 per cent. SITA UK says the household recycling figures for England’s local authorities continue to paint a picture of a nation stuck in the doldrums when it comes to recycling.

The national average recycling rate is flat-lining around 44 per cent for the second year in a row.

SITA UK chief executive officer, David Palmer-Jones said: “With dwindling recycling rates and less than six years to go, the risk of the UK missing its EU target of a 50 per cent household recycling rate by 2020 is increasing.

“Despite a small annual increase in England’s household recycling rate, the pace of improvement is still far off that required to place the UK back on a greener path to resource security.

“We believe that minimum targets for local authority recycling rates, alongside financial support from Government to improve communications and infrastructure, will help local authorities meet our national targets.”

A Preston Council spokesman said their rate was expected to improve with the roll-out of its ‘boxes to bins’ scheme.