Laura Sharman 19 October 2020

Household recycling 'soared' during pandemic

Some councils saw household recycling soar by 100% during the COVID-19 pandemic, council leaders have revealed.

The Local Government Association (LGA) has reported that eight in 10 councils saw an increase in the amount of recycling being collected since the start of lockdown.

Half of councils said they were collecting up to 20% more recycling than normal, with a third collecting up to 50% more.

The LGA warned this has led to increased costs for councils and the Government should ensure all extra cost pressures on waste and recycling services as a result of the pandemic are met.

It also wants urgent clarity on the Government’s waste and recycling reforms that are due to be implemented from 2023.

Cllr David Renard, environment spokesperson for the LGA, said: ‘The COVID-19 outbreak has interrupted progress of the Government’s waste and recycling reforms, due to be implemented from 2023.

’It is critical for councils to understand how the reforms around consistency, producer responsibility and the deposit return scheme for drinks containers will work together and be funded.’

Photo: Yau Ming Low / Shutterstock.com

Can local government take much more? image

Can local government take much more?

Dr Andrew Walker, head of Research, LGIU reflects on the Autumn Statement and asks: what might it take for the Government to pay attention to local authorities?
Getting the most out of LGPS funds  image

Getting the most out of LGPS funds

Isio partner and Public Services leader Steve Simkins reflects on the Autumn Statement announcement of a surprise Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) target.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Business Support Apprentice

Essex County Council
Up to £10187 per annum
Business Support ApprenticeFixed Term, Full Time£10,187 per annum rising to £20,104 per annum on the second year Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Director of Safeguarding and Support

Swindon Borough Council
£95,171 (spot salary)
Improving outcomes for our children and young people in Swindon... Swindon, Wiltshire
Recuriter: Swindon Borough Council

Principal Social Worker / Care Manager - Northampton Central, North and East

West Northamptonshire Council
£40316 - £43675
What will you be doing? As a champion of social work, you’ll lead by example, using your skills to encourage a culture of innovation, reflection and learning within the service, using practice evaluations and learning reviews to inform this work. The ex Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Data Officer - 18 month Fixed Term Contract

Essex County Council
£22361 - £24527 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Defined Benefit Pension
Data OfficerFixed Term - 18 months duration, Full Time - 37 Hours Per WeekUp to £24,527 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Customer Service Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £22361 per annum
Customer Service AssistantPermanent, Part TimeUp to £22,361 per annum (FTE)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner

Partner Content

Circular highways is a necessity not an aspiration – and it’s within our grasp

Shell is helping power the journey towards a circular paving industry with Shell Bitumen LT R, a new product for roads that uses plastics destined for landfill as part of the additives to make the bitumen.

Support from Effective Energy Group for Local Authorities to Deliver £430m Sustainable Warmth Funded Energy Efficiency Projects

Effective Energy Group is now offering its support to the 40 Local Authorities who have received a share of the £430m to deliver their projects on the ground by surveying properties and installing measures.

Pay.UK – the next step in Bacs’ evolution

Dougie Belmore explains how one of the main interfaces between you and Bacs is about to change.