Oxfordshire named best county in England for recycling

According to the latest government figures, published last month, 56.6 per cent of household waste was recycled, reused or composted in 2024–25, out of a total of 292,738 tonnes of waste.

Of that, 165,694 tonnes were successfully diverted from landfill through recycling, reuse and composting.

Vicky Beechey, manager of the Oxfordshire Resources and Waste Partnership (ORWP), 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.”

In England’s two-tier system, county councils are responsible for waste disposal while city and district councils manage kerbside collections.

All of Oxfordshire’s councils placed highly in the national rankings.

South Oxfordshire District Council ranked second out of 197 waste collection authorities, recycling 61.3 per cent of waste.

Vale of White Horse came eighth with 58.9 per cent; West Oxfordshire 16th with 57 per cent; Cherwell 37th with 51.5 per cent; and Oxford City Council 51st with 48.2 per cent.

Ms Beechey said: “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.”

Ms Beechey said: “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.”

Residents visiting any of Oxfordshire’s seven household waste recycling centres are reminded that a booking system is now in place.

Bookings can be made up to two weeks in advance, or as little as 30 minutes before your visit, via the Oxfordshire County Council website.

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 to Thursday, and 8.45am – 4pm on Fridays.

Proof of address is required on arrival. This includes things such as a driving licence or recent utility or council tax bill.

Visitors from outside of the county will be charged £15.