Briefing: An analysis of the reported fall in England's recycling rate

The recent local authority waste statistics has shown a downturn in England's household recycling rate. Although the drop was small, it was a significant symbolic event: the recycling rate had previously risen every year this century. There has been little critical examination of the figures to identify the causes of the change, and thus the appropriate policy responses. Instead, there has been a tendency to seize on the dip as evidence to support a number of preconceived policy positions. This paper looks more closely at the figures and concludes that while there is little cause for concern, it may prompt a fresh action to boost recycling.