Dorset Council named as best Unitary Council in the country for recycling

DEFRA has confirmed that Dorset Council is the #1 Unitary Council in the country for recycling. We recycle 59.1% of the waste we collect, against a 43.4% national average.

Each year DEFRA produces its Local authority collected waste management - annual results - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) which detail the collection and management of waste under the possession or control of local authorities in England.

They have just published the annual recycling figures for 2022/23, which confirms Dorset Council as the number one unitary and disposal authority in the country for the first time ever. Those ahead of us are collection only councils (i.e. the figures are based on the kerbside service only, and do not include household recycling centres) which is why it’s important to note the “unitary” aspect.

Nationally, the recycling rate for the country has gone down by 0.7% to 43.4%, so we are doing well with our work here in Dorset.

Cllr Laura Beddow, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture and Communities, said:

“We are delighted to hear that Dorset Council has topped DEFRA’s recycling rate results for the first time ever as a unitary authority. Ever since we started to roll out the Recycle for Dorset kerbside service over a decade ago, we knew we had a highly effective system that is easy to follow, and allows our residents to conveniently recycle as much of their waste as possible.

“But any system is only as good as the people who use it, and we’re extremely lucky to have the country’s best recyclers here in Dorset. With most people putting the right stuff in the right bin, we have saved millions of pounds for essential council services, while also doing what is best for our environment.

“I want to thank everyone for their recycling efforts, and all the employees who work hard for Dorset Council’s Waste Services every day. Please keep up the good work!”