What is the recycling rate in the UK?

The official measure is the "waste from households" recycling rate. Defra's release of 31 March 2026 put England's rate at 43.8% in 2024, down from 44.0% in 2023. Rates for the 321 English councils ranged from 17.0% to 63.9% in 2024/25.

Council-level tables are in ENV18. UK-wide figures, combining the four nations on the same definition, are in Defra's UK statistics on waste. Wales and Scotland also publish their own figures, which use national definitions.

Check which measure a claim uses. Wales's statutory rate counts some materials differently, so it is not directly comparable with England's waste from households rate. The rate measures waste sent for recycling, not what is finally reprocessed.

Official sources: Local authority collected waste 2024/25 · ENV18 council tables · UK statistics on waste

The latest figure

The newest value is at Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). More on it: UK greenhouse gas emissions.

When is the next figure out?

Provisional estimates for the previous year in late March or early April (2 April 2026 for 2025); final estimates in February the year after (final 2025 figures due February 2027). File URLs change with each release

Every official release due in the next two weeks is on the release calendar.

Terms used in this answer

• Provisional figures
  Early estimates published before all data are in, so users get timely figures. They are expected to be updated when later data arrive.
• Revisions
  Changes to previously published figures, made when more complete data, improved methods or updated seasonal factors become available. A normal part of official statistics.
• Outturn
  The actual recorded figure for a period that has ended, as opposed to a plan, budget or forecast for it.
• Calendar year
  January to December. Used for GDP annual totals, registered deaths and many international comparisons, unlike the April to March financial year.

Where the figures come from

• Environment Agency, Ofwat, Defra and Met Office environmental data
  Where to find Environment Agency sewage spill and water quality data, flood APIs, Ofwat performance, Defra air quality and Met Office climate records.

Related questions

• What are UK greenhouse gas emissions?
• Where can I download UK government data?
• What is the highest temperature ever recorded in the UK?

This answer says where the official figures are published and how they are defined. It gives no verdict on any claim. To report an error, send a correction request. More questions about water, sewage, air and climate: all Water, sewage, air and climate questions.