Oxfordshire tops the national recycling table once again
For the 12th year in a row, Oxfordshire residents are the best in England for recycling, reusing and composting, according to the latest government figures.
Oxfordshire County Council has again been named the top performing waste disposal authority in the two-tier system in figures published last month. In 2024 - 25, residents recycled, reused or composted 56.6 per cent of their household waste.
The total amount of household waste produced in Oxfordshire was 292,738 tonnes for 2024 - 25, with 165,694 tonnes being reused, recycled and composted.
Oxfordshire’s city and four district councils, which operate the kerbside collections for householders, also achieved good results in their national category.
Out of 197 waste collection authorities in England, South Oxfordshire District Council is second in the table for the percentage of waste recycled (61.3 per cent), the Vale of White Horse is 8th (58.9 per cent), West Oxfordshire is 16th (57 per cent), Cherwell is 37th (51.5 per cent), and Oxford City Council is 51st (48.2 per cent).
Along with the county council, the city and district councils make up the Oxfordshire Resources and Waste Partnership (ORWP) which works together to improve recycling and waste management services for residents.
Vicky Beechey, ORWP Manager, said: “The sustained high performance collectively by Oxfordshire councils is notable, particularly against the backdrop of challenging financial times for everyone. To see ORWP partners’ and Oxfordshire residents’ hard work continuing to be reflected in these figures is testament to the commitment of everyone to deliver positive environmental outcomes.
“Our residents deserve congratulations and thanks for all their consistent hard work and commitment in achieving this landmark. However, we are certainly not complacent and one area we would like to improve is reducing food waste. Wasting less food is good for our finances, and the food waste we do recycle is anaerobically digested, making methane to replace fossil gas to heat our homes and cook our food.
“ORWP partners recognise that there is more to do to improve reuse, repair, recycling and composting figures. We can all take positive action through reducing food waste, keeping items in use for longer and reducing the amount of waste we produce – for the benefit of everyone. Using tools such as the Waste Wizard can really help put the items we have in the right place – whether that’s for reuse, composting or to throw away.”
Visitors to Oxfordshire’s seven household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) are reminded that a booking system is now in operation.
Customers must book a slot online on Oxfordshire County Council’s website before visiting their HWRC. Bookings are available up to two weeks in advance or 30 minutes prior, subject to availability.
Residents without internet access can book slots over the telephone by contacting the council’s customer service centre on 01865 519800 between 8.45am - 5pm, Monday - Thursday, and 8.45am - 4pm on Fridays.
Oxfordshire customers are also reminded to bring proof of address with them when visiting an HWRC – such as a driving licence or recent utility or council tax bill – as visitors from outside the county will be charged £15.
Oxfordshire residents can also dispose of limited amounts of DIY waste for free at the county’s HWRCs if they book online in advance .
For those looking to reduce their waste further, Oxfordshire’s Community Action Group network and Replenish project have lots of opportunities for people to get involved with local schemes and tips on how to reduce waste and improve their local environment.
Residents can also visit Climate Action Oxfordshire for ideas on the practical things they can do to reduce waste and make better climate choices with the time they have available.
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