Oxfordshire has once again been named the best-performing area in England for recycling, reusing and composting household waste, marking an impressive 12th consecutive year at the top of national rankings.
According to the latest government figures, Oxfordshire County Council remains the leading waste disposal authority within England’s two-tier system. In the 2024–25 reporting period, residents recycled, reused or composted 56.6 per cent of their household waste.
During the same period, a total of 292,738 tonnes of household waste was generated across the county, with 165,694 tonnes successfully diverted through reuse, recycling and composting efforts.
Performance across Oxfordshire’s city and district councils—responsible for kerbside waste collections—also placed strongly on the national stage.
Among 197 waste collection authorities, South Oxfordshire District Council ranked second with a recycling rate of 61.3 per cent. The Vale of White Horse District Council placed eighth at 58.9 per cent, followed by West Oxfordshire District Council in 16th (57 per cent), Cherwell District Council in 37th (51.5 per cent), and Oxford City Council in 51st (48.2 per cent).
These authorities work collaboratively through the Oxfordshire Resources and Waste Partnership (ORWP), which coordinates efforts to improve waste management and environmental outcomes across the county.
Vicky Beechey, ORWP Manager, 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.
“Wasting less food is good for our finances, and the food waste we do recycle is anaerobically digested, making methane to replace fossil gas to heat our homes and cook our food.”
“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.
“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 are reminded that visits to the county’s household waste recycling centres now require advance booking, either online or via telephone, with proof of address needed on arrival.
