Rugby's recycling rate makes top ten 'most improved' in England

Between the financial years 2022/23 and 2023/24, the amount of household waste recycled in Rugby increased from 43.2 per cent to 47.4 per cent.

The figures, published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), showed the average amount of waste collected per person in the borough remained relatively consistent during the same period, but refuse waste tonnages dropped by five per cent, while tonnages of waste collected for recycling rose by six per cent.

Claire Owen, Rugby Borough Council's chief officer for operations and traded services, said the figures reflected the growing commitment of Rugby residents to recycle household waste.

"The four per cent increase in our recycling rate has put Rugby in the top ten most improved local authorities in England, a testament to the dedication of our residents to reduce waste and recycle more," she added.

"However, we have more to do and remain committed to working towards the Government's target of 65 per cent by 2035, so we all need to keep up the good work by reducing waste where possible and making sure we recycle correctly."

The council has issued a reminder to residents about the range of items which can be recycled in the blue-lid, recycling bins, including:

•    plastic tubes, bottles and pots
•    glass jars and bottles
•    metal cans, trays and foil
•    paper and cardboard
•    empty aerosol cans
•    empty perfume and aftershave bottles

Residents have also been urged to avoid contaminating recycling collections by putting the following items in the blue-lid, recycling bins:

•    food waste
•    electrical items
•    clothing and textiles
•    polystyrene
•    nappies

You can check what items go in which bin on the council's website: www.rugby.gov.uk/what-goes-in-which-bin-

You can also check what items go in which bin - and a host of other useful council information - by downloading the Rugby Borough Council App at www.rugby.gov.uk/app