Nations and English Regions

Regional Recycling Activity

    Waste facts

    7.5 million tonnes of waste went to landfill and 5.4 million tonnes went to treatment and transfer facilities in 2004/5.

    Landfill deposits fell by nearly 20% (1.5 million tonnes) between 2000/1 and 2003/4 but increased again by 0.9 million tonnes by 2004/5.

    Waste inputs to transfer and metal recycling sites increased by over 20% but treatment remained fairly static over the 4-year period. (Source: Environment Agency Website)

    Recycling activity

    There is significant variation in recycling levels by local councils, ranging from 16.5% to 45.3% with a regional average of 27.2% (Source: Defra recycling rates for English LA’s 2006).

    The West Midlands has particular strengths in the recycling of materials such as plastics and metals. 

    Bride putting glass bottle of champers in the recycling bin


    There are many growing companies in recycling and waste management, based in the region, such as Giffords wood recyclers who were assisted by both WRAP and AWM with marketing support for their recycled wood landscaping products.