Recycling - % household waste collected during the year that is recycled (c05)

• This measures the proportion of household waste collected each year that is recycled.
• Recycling figures are calculated according to Scotland’s national recycling rate methodology.  Over the years there have been changes to the methodology in terms of what is counted as recycled, although these have been relatively minor and are not considered to have any significant bearing on the reported figures.
• Data is submitted by all 32 Scottish local authorities to Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) using a web-based reporting tool. While the data presented here is the most up to date available as at the time of producing this report; figures are subject to change following SEPAs annual verification process.

Why this matters

• Measuring recycling can help to support a cleaner, stronger local economy.
• Measuring recycling rates can help inform reductions in waste going to landfill, cut disposal costs, and free up resources that can be reinvested in local services. 

Latest performance

How North Lanarkshire has performed

Latest results show that recycling rates in North Lanarkshire are now the highest over the recorded data with 47.9% of household waste collected during the year being recycled. 

• The latest results in Figure 05a (47.9%) show an increase on the previous year (46.7%).
• Over the period of The Plan for North Lanarkshire recycling rates have increased from 41.1% to 47.9%.
• This improvement is also reflected in Figure 05b and an almost 10% increase in the tonnage of waste recycled over the same period (from 66,207 to 72,401).  This is over 6,000 tonnes which, for illustrative purposes, roughly equates to the same weight as 4,000 cars.

The latest results for North Lanarkshire show a positive improving position that mirrors the trend in both the national average and the comparative average for the group of similar councils.

Figure 05a shows that North Lanarkshire has now moved to performing better than the latest national average (44.3%) and the comparative average for the group of similar councils (42.3%).

Impact of delivering The Plan for North Lanarkshire

Recycling helps local communities look cleaner, tidier, and better cared for by reducing litter, overflowing bins, and fly‑tipping. It helps to protect local environments, and build local pride and trust. People can see how their actions are helping their area improve and understand that progress is being shared across neighbourhoods.  It also creates healthier places to live, making neighbourhoods more attractive for residents, visitors, and businesses.

Improving recycling rates can support local jobs and businesses linked to waste management, recycling, repair, reuse, and the circular economy, helping money stay within the local economy and supporting the people who live there.