Key Insights
- Data from the London Boroughs recycling scorecard reveals that London’s household waste recycling rate was 33%, the lowest in England, and remained unchanged in 2024.
According to Statista, the total amount of household recycling collected in London reached a peak in the mid-2010s and remained at a high level until it dropped to roughly 900,000 metric tons in 2022/2023. - Based on London’s recycling scorecard to meet the Mayor’s goals, London boroughs should aim to recycle or compost 50% of household waste by 2030, with a 40% target by 2026.
- According to the London Boroughs Recycling Scorecard, London’s household waste recycling rates—the proportion of waste sent out—were the lowest in England. It’s only 33% and remained unchanged in 2024.
According to the data from London Boroughs Recycling Scorecard, London recycled less than 10% of its household waste in 2000/2001. Over the next 10 years, that figure rose to about 32%.
Since then, the recycling rates have stayed relatively flat, hovering between 32% and 34%. In recent years, the recycling rate has remained steady at about 32.5%.
Household waste collected by local London authorities
According to Statista, the total amount of household recycling collected in London reached a peak in the mid-2010s and remained at a high level until it dropped to roughly 900,000 metric tons in 2022/2023.
In 2000, approximately 260,000 metric tons of household recycling were collected. By 2010, the amount had grown to around 940,000 metric tons. The amount of household recycling collected peaked in 2013 at 1,020,000 metric tons.
After this peak, the amount remained relatively stable, fluctuating slightly, but staying around the 1,000,000 metric tons mark.
Household waste recycling statistics per London borough
Data from the 2024 London Boroughs Recycling Scorecard shows how different London boroughs managed their household waste in 2022-2023.
In Bromley, approximately 30% of household waste was sent for dry recycling, and around 20% was green recycled. The remaining 50% of household waste was not recycled.
Bexley also has a strong recycling performance, with roughly 33% dry recycling and 15% green recycling, leaving 52% not recycled. Sutton follows with around 29% dry recycling, 18% green recycling, and 53% not recycled.
In contrast, Westminster City Council has one of the lowest combined recycling rates. Their dry recycling is around 12%, and green recycling is very low at about 3%. This means 85% of their household waste was not sent for recycling.
Collected household waste per person by London borough
According to CPRE London, Lambeth produces the least amount of waste in London, generating approximately 215 kg for every person. Ealing follows with about 225 kg, and Islington with roughly 245 kg per person.
On the other end, Havering produces the most waste at nearly 395 kg per person. Westminster is not too far behind, with about 385 kg per individual.
Bromley also has a high figure of about 375 kg per person.
Waste recycled, composed and disposed of statistics of London boroughs
CPRE London’s data reveals that Ealing sent the least amount of waste for disposal in London. Approximately only 116kg of waste per person was disposed of and not recycled.
In contrast, Westminster City Council recorded the highest number of unrecycled waste per person. Around 291kg of household waste per person was sent for disposal in the borough in 2022-2023.
Recycling interventions and solutions in London
Reducing household waste recycling in London
Household waste makes up a large part of what local councils collect, which in turn is a key part of all city waste. To combat this, the mayor wants London to recycle 65% of all city waste by 2030.
Based on London’s recycling scorecard to meet the mayor goals, London boroughs should aim to recycle or compost 50% of household waste by 2030 with a 40% target by 2026.
Top-performing boroughs should aim for 60% and lead the way. Boroughs should also try to reduce the amount of waste collected per person.
UK government solutions to London’s recycling issues
The UK government plans on turning London’s waste into valuable resources through recycling and any leftover waste into low carbon energy.
By 2026 they aim to keep all biodegradable and recyclable ways out of landfills. By 2030 they’re targeting a 65% recycling rate for municipal waste.
To make this happen, the government is teaming up with London’s boroughs to roll out their waste reduction and recycling plans.
The UK government is also backing London’s food businesses in their efforts to cut down on waste and save money through the Foodsave program.
They’re also encouraging residences to get involved in citywide initiatives. For example, programs that promote access to free drinking water, which will help reduce the reliance on plastic water bottles.
For 2025, the mayor of London is confident that through the review of contracts, strategies, and reduction and recycling plans (RRPs), this collaboration with local boroughs will increase the recycling rates.
References
- London Boroughs Recycling Scorecard 2023. (n.d.). https://www.cprelondon.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/London-Boroughs-Recycling-Scorecard-2023.pd
- Statista. (2024, March 14). LA collected household recycling waste in London, England 2001-2023. https://www.statista.com/statistics/321862/household-waste-from-household-recycling-in-london-uk/
- Waste and recycling. (n.d.). London City Hall. https://www.london.gov.uk/programmes-strategies/environment-and-climate-change/waste-and-recycling
- Find an answer | London City Hall. (n.d.-a). https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/questions-mayor/find-an-answer/recycling-rates-6
