FOI Request - Recycling Collected Rejected and Processed Data

Request 101003899922

For each financial year from 2018-19 to the most recent available at the point of production, the following:

1  a) - tonnes of household recycling collected
   b) tonnes of collected household recycling rejected
   c) - tonnes of collected household recycling rejected, split by how it was then processed (such as energy-from-waste / incineration, landfill)

2  a) - tonnes of non-household recycling collected
   b) - tonnes of non-household recycling rejected
   c) - tonnes of non-household material rejected, split by how it was then processed (such as energy-from-waste / incineration, landfill)

3  a) - tonnes of household recycling taken to recycling centres by the public
   b) - tonnes of household recycling taken to recycling centres by the public that is rejected
   c) - tonnes of household material taken to recycling centres by the public that is rejected, split by how it was then processed (such as energy-from-waste / incineration, landfill)

4  a) - tonnage or percentage of material recycled within the UK
   b) - tonnage or percentage of material exported overseas split by how it will be processed (such as recycled or incinerated)
   c) - if available, please provide the tonnage or percentage of material exported overseas split by how it will be processed and destination country.

Clarification sought and received 18-12-2025

Response 13-01-2026

Please find the information requested here.

Please note: 

1. All our recycling materials from domestic and commercial collections, plus the materials from HWRCs are mixed and bulk loaded to our reprocessors, hence rejected material rates apply to the whole tonnages and cannot be divided into collection types.
2. Rejected tonnages are from the reprocessors whom we have 5 year tenders with, and as part of those they provide us with the data yearly under our waste data flow requirements. All rejected materials and recycling materials are processed within the UK only; this is written into our Tenders with these companies.
3. We are unable to provide rejected materials breakdown data prior to 2022/23 FY.
4. All our general waste went to our own landfill site until April 2023, then to the Energy from Waste plant in Aberdeen.
5. Rejection rates are not available for mixed metals, wood and rubble as these are sent to local recycling companies who then bulk up loads and resell materials to various outlets, both within the UK and overseas. They do not provide us with tonnage/destination details for our (or other companies) materials. The tonnages provided are what we deliver to them.