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

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Service, Legal Services (Deputy Monitoring Officer)

Peterborough City Council
£80,217 - £97,576
Peterborough is one of the UK’s most dynamic and fast-growing cities. Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
Recuriter: Peterborough City Council

Director of Legal & Governance (Monitoring Officer)

Peterborough City Council
£107,790 - £128,742
Peterborough is a city of opportunity – vibrant, fast-growing, and ambitious. Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
Recuriter: Peterborough City Council

Apprentice - Business & Administration

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum
Apprentice - Business & AdministrationFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Principal Engineer - Adoptions

West Northamptonshire Council
£46,878 - £50,071
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Highways Engineer to join our Highways Development Management team. Northamptonshire
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Head of Design Services

Lincolnshire County Council
£77,536 - £83,366
You will lead the delivery of a high-performing Technical Services Partnership (TSP). Lincolnshire
Recuriter: Lincolnshire County Council
Linkedin Banner