Dorset Council has been named as the best unitary council in the country for recycling.

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has announced that Dorset Council was named number one unitary council in England for recycling.

Each year DEFRA produces its findings which detail the collection and management of waste under the possession or control of local authorities in the country. 

The recycling figures for 2022/23 confirms Dorset Council as the number one unitary and disposal authority in England for the first time.

Findings reveal on average Dorset recycles 59.1% of the waste collected, against a 43.4% national average. These are based on the kerbside service only, and do not include household recycling centres.

Cllr Laura Beddow, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture and Communities, said: “We are delighted to hear that Dorset Council has topped DEFRA’s recycling rate results for the first time ever as a unitary authority. Ever since we started to roll out the Recycle for Dorset kerbside service over a decade ago, we knew we had a highly effective system that is easy to follow and allows our residents to conveniently recycle as much of their waste as possible.

“But any system is only as good as the people who use it, and we’re extremely lucky to have the country’s best recyclers here in Dorset. With most people putting the right stuff in the right bin, we have saved millions of pounds for essential council services, while also doing what is best for our environment.

“I want to thank everyone for their recycling efforts, and all the employees who work hard for Dorset Council’s Waste Services every day. Please keep up the good work!”

You can read the full results on the government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/local-authority-collected-waste-management-annual-results