Three Rivers remains one of the best recyclers in England

The council has seen a 0.4% increase in its recycling rate in 2023/24 compared to the previous year in the latest figures published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on Thursday 27 March. The district has consistently been recognised by Defra as being one of the leading local authorities in England for high household recycling rates for more than 10 years.

In the latest figures, Three Rivers is the second-best recycler in England, recording a rate of 61.9% in 2023/24. South Oxford District Council narrowly topped the chart at a rate of 62.9%.

The district also has a high rate of organic recycling, which is the process of converting waste into useful materials, such as energy, standing at 52.4%.

Defra collates recycling performance data from all local authorities on an annual basis. Three Rivers was at the top of the league in 2021/22 and 2019/20 and had the second-highest recycling rate overall in 2022/23.

Emma Sheridan, Three Rivers District Council’s Associate Director for Environment, said: “We are incredibly proud to continue to be one of the best recyclers in England, featuring in the top five for a decade. This, of course, wouldn’t be possible without our residents’ commitment to recycling and their understanding of its importance. I also thank our dedicated and professional staff – from our refuse collection, street cleaning and grounds operatives to back-office administrative, engagement and customer service officers - for their hard work in continuing to make recycling easier and making sure our excellent collection services run smoothly.”

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