recycling rates
Councils are addressing plateauing recycling rates by reviewing infrastructure, communication, and collection services.
Islington Council's Executive endorsed a report in June 2026 recommending improvements to household recycling and waste reduction, following a plateau in rates due to structural, behavioural, and service factors. The Environment, Climate and Transport Scrutiny Committee had urged the council in April 2026 to bolster infrastructure and communication. In contrast, Bexley's recycling rates improved in April 2026, bucking a London-wide decline, with Councillor David Diamond highlighting the borough's strong performance.
Several councils are working to improve their recycling performance. Islington's household waste recycling rate was 33.9% in the second quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, below its 36% target, a report to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee revealed in February 2026. Camden's recycling rate of 29.1% in September 2025 also fell short of its 35% target for 2025, with new 'Simpler Recycling' laws mandating food waste collection services for all households by March 2026. Tower Hamlets was also struggling with household recycling rates in July 2025.
Brent Council discussed improving recycling rates in July 2026, while Newham's Crime, Environment and Transport Scrutiny Committee reviewed progress on the food waste collection service in September 2026. Lambeth Council reported improved recycling rates in July 2025 following targeted interventions. Recycling rates measure the percentage of household waste that is collected and reprocessed into new products.
Key facts
- Islington Council's Executive endorsed a report recommending improvements to household recycling and waste reduction in June 2026. Source
- Bexley's recycling rates improved in April 2026, making it one of the best performing London boroughs. Source
- Islington's household waste recycling rate was 33.9% in the second quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, below its 36% target. Source
- Camden's recycling rate was 29.1% in September 2025, falling short of its 35% target for 2025. Source
- New 'Simpler Recycling' laws mandate food waste collection services for all households by March 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.