England’s most wasteful area is not where you’d expect

An analysis by a national refuse disposal firm has revealed which corners of the country have the worst record on rubbish. 

According to the Reliable Skip report, the southwestern archipelago of the Isles of Scilly, home to around 2,100 people, currently produces the most waste in England: 7,606tonnes per 10,000 people. 

This is followed by Westminster City Council with 7,592 tonnes per 10,000 people. The East Rising of Yorkshire Council was third – 5,950 tonnes per 10,000 – followed by Shropshire, and North Lincolnshire. You can find the full results in the table below. 

‘It’s interesting to see how among all these bigger areas, a tiny authority such as the Isles of Scilly tops the entire list. Regardless of only 2,271 people living in it, the waste produced per capita is one of the highest in the country. Moreover, only two London areas feature in the top 10, demonstrating how living in the biggest and most crowded city in the country does not necessarily mean generating more waste,’ said Paul Bennett, Operations Director at Reliable Skip. 

More effective and efficient waste management is widely considered an environmental priority for the UK overall. In 2021, a new Waste Management Plan for England was published as a core pledge within the Government’s 25 Year Environmental Plan. And, more recently, Downing Street unveiled proposals for a massive overhaul of recycling and waste collection in an attempt to improve records, with 71% of Britons arguing that current rules are too confusing, and just 8% understanding what to throw into which bin. 

More on waste and recycling: 

Fly-tipping to money laundering: The environmental crime nexus

Domestic tension caused by 9m who reject recycling rules

‘Purrfect’ electricals recycle TV campaign has made its debut

English recycling record must improve, but will national scheme work?

Image: John Cameron