Improved recycling puts Horsham District in the Top 20

Statistics recently released by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) identify Horsham District Council as one of the top 20 performing councils in the UK for improved kerbside recycling rates.

The Horsham District has achieved a recycling rate of 53.5% exceeding the 50% target which was set for 2020.

This achievement maintains us our position as the best performing district for recycling across the whole of West Sussex.

Horsham District Council is now listed as one of the top 20 authorities for the most improved recycling rate in the country, going up 3.7 percentage points in the 2018/19 year.

In addition to this, residents have also reduced the amount of household waste produced per household by 53kg which is now the lowest in West Sussex.

Commenting on this success, Horsham District Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, Recycling and Waste Cllr Philip Circus said:

“I am very proud of what we have achieved which has fulfilled our hopes and expectations.

My thanks go out to our residents who have risen to the challenge to increase their recycling having adapted to the changes to collections introduced by the Council in 2018.

“But we cannot rest on our laurels as more can always be done, and as a council, we continue to ask all residents to keep thinking about how they might be able to reduce, reuse or recycle their household waste even more.”

Horsham District Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, Recycling and Waste Cllr Philip Circus

While there is cause for celebration, there is always progress that can be made. The amount of waste produced per head is still high with food waste making up a staggering 41% of what we throw away.

Whilst the Council is committed to exploring a strategy to collect food waste, more can be done to reduce this in the home. For tips on how to reduce your household waste visit our website.

Could you be one of our 2020 recycling champions?

The Council is looking for families who are keen to cut their food waste and improve their recycling rate. You’d work with us over the coming year to take on new challenges and share updates on how you’re getting on. Initially we’ll do a waste audit offering support and advice to help you and then in December we will take a look to see what a difference has been made. At the end of the year you’ll receive a £100 shopping voucher as a thank you for taking part.

If you are interested please email recyclingchampions@horsham.gov.uk to apply.

For media queries please email press@horsham.gov.uk .