The proportion of household waste sent for recycling in Bolton fell last year, new figures show - but there has been a vast increase in rates since 2010-11.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs figures show 88,844 tonnes of waste were collected by the council in the year to March 2023.

Of this, about 44,002 tonnes were sent for reuse, recycling, or composting – meaning the area had a recycling rate of 49.5 per cent.

Recycling rates were down from the year before when 50.9 per cent of household waste was sent for recycling.

And about 300.1kg of household waste was recorded per person last year – down from 315.3kg in 2021-22.

However, figures show recycling rates in recent years were some of the highest recorded since 2010-11 when recycling rates were at 24.3 per cent.

Figures show Bury Council’s recycling rate figures were at 52.6 per cent in 2022-23, and Salford City Council's recycling rates were at 47.6 per cent in 2022-23.

Across England, the recycling rate also fell – from 42.5 per cent in 2021-22 to 41.7 per cent last year. 

All regions had decreases in their recycling rates, except for London which saw no change.

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Cllr Richard Silvester, executive cabinet member for climate change and environment, said there are a number of factors that can influence recycling rates, but Bolton remains an "incredibly strong recycler borough".

He said: "There are a number of factors that can influence the recycling rate over a year’s collection.

“This can be a decline in the use of certain materials, seasonal adjustments such as the performance of the growing season, contamination rates and service user presentation rates.

“The data shows that neighbouring authorities, also showed a small decline in their recycling rates.

“Bolton remains an incredibly strong recycler borough, with recycling rates above the national average.

“Central government data from the Office of Local Government, shows Bolton performs well in its recycling rate, kilograms of waste per household and has low contamination rates.

“We are investing heavily in the fleet and waste collection team to ensure we maintain our high-performance levels.”

Overall, total local authority managed waste in England decreased by six per cent to 24.5 million tonnes in the recent year.

The figures also show the estimated household waste fell from 417.2 kilograms per person in 2021-22 to 390.2 kilograms last year.

Environment minister Robbie Moore said: "Reducing waste and increasing recycling is crucial for protecting our environment for future generations.

"Overall, the amount of waste from households has gone down, but recycling rates have also fallen slightly this year.

"We know there is more to do and that is why we are pushing forward with plans for a new, simpler common-sense approach to recycling – making recycling easier for everyone across the country."

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.