Three Rivers amongst top three recycling authorities in England

The recycling rate in Three Rivers district is amongst the highest in England, according to the latest figures.

The new data, published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), shows that Three Rivers District Council had a recycling rate of 63.1% for the amount of household waste recycled, composted, or reused in 2020/21.

Three Rivers has the third highest rate, behind St Albans City and District Council at 64.2% and South Oxfordshire District Council at 63.6%. During 2019/20, there was a national reduction in recycling rates resulting in a national average reduction of recycling by 1.5% – whilst Three Rivers saw a decrease of only 1%. The council has been amongst the top ten councils for recycling in England every year since 2012/13.

Cllr Phil Williams, the council’s Lead Member for Environmental Services, Climate Change and Sustainability, said: “I am very pleased that Three Rivers remains in the top three authorities in the country for household waste recycling – and many congratulations to St Albans for topping the chart. Encouraging our residents to recycle remains a key priority for us – and their commitment has always been fantastic. Recycling and composting are essential in our effort to keep resources in use for longer as we work to protect our planet. Congratulations to all our staff who have worked hard throughout the pandemic to keep the services running.”

Reducing waste and increasing recycling continues to be a crucial part of Three River’s Climate Emergency and Sustainability Strategy, as waste accounts for a significant proportion of the district’s emissions.

The council encourages all residents and businesses to continue to reduce waste where possible, particularly that which is not reusable or recyclable. You can find advice on waste reduction here .

For more information on what to recycle, how to recycle, and reducing waste visit: www.threerivers.gov.uk/recycle  or the Hertfordshire wide  WasteAware web page .

Council spokesperson

Cllr Phil Williams - Lead Member for Environmental Services, Climate Change and Sustainability

Group spokespeople

Cllr Alex Hayward – Leader of the Conservative Group

Cllr Stephen Cox – Leader of the Labour Group

Cllr Joanna Clemens – Independent Councillors Group Joint Leader