Recycling facts: UK figures and the myths they correct
The UK recycled 44.5% of its household waste and 73.2% of its packaging waste in 2024. Those are the latest official figures, published in September 2026. This page sets out the main recycling facts for each material and corrects the myths that surround them.
UK recycling facts at a glance
| Household waste recycled | 44.5% in 2024, according to Defra |
|---|---|
| Household waste produced | 26.2 million tonnes in 2024, of which 11.65 million tonnes was recycled |
| Packaging waste recycled | 73.2% in 2024 |
| All waste produced in England | 178.1 million tonnes in 2024 |
| World economy | 6.9% of materials come from recycled sources, according to the Circularity Gap Report 2025 |
Recycling rates by material
| Packaging material | UK recycling rate | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Steel | 88.5% | 2025, provisional |
| Paper and cardboard | 80.3% | 2025, provisional |
| Glass | 79.1% | 2024 |
| Metal, all types | 78.7% | 2024 |
| Plastic | 53.5% | 2024 |
| Wood | 51.7% | 2024 |
Recycling facts for each material
- Metal. Steel and aluminium can be recycled again and again with no loss of quality. Recycling aluminium uses about 95% less energy than making it from ore. Read more on metal recycling.
- Glass. Glass can also be recycled endlessly. The UK recycled 1.76 million tonnes of glass packaging in 2024. Read more on glass recycling.
- Paper and cardboard. The fibres can be recycled about five to seven times. Cardboard is the largest packaging stream, at 4.84 million tonnes in 2024. Read more on cardboard recycling.
- Plastic. Just over half of plastic packaging is recycled, and WRAP reports that 47% of that is exported for recycling. Read more on plastic recycling.
Recycling myths, and what the facts say
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| It all goes to landfill anyway | No. Nearly three quarters of UK packaging waste is recycled |
| Recycling uses more energy than it saves | No. Recycled aluminium needs about 95% less energy than new |
| Everything must be washed spotless | No. A quick rinse is enough. Food left inside is the problem |
| Plastic can be recycled for ever | No. Its quality falls each time, unlike metal and glass |
| A greasy pizza box can be recycled | No. Grease cannot be removed. Recycle only the clean part |
| The recycling symbol means it will be recycled | No. The number in the triangle only shows the type of plastic |
What the facts mean for a business
Materials with high recycling rates have working markets, so they have a price. Since 31 March 2025 most workplaces in England must separate them under the Simpler Recycling rules. See the current prices for recyclable materials.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage of waste is recycled in the UK?
The UK recycled 44.5% of household waste in 2024, and 73.2% of packaging waste, according to official figures published in September 2026.
Which material is recycled the most in the UK?
Steel packaging, at 88.5% in 2025 on provisional figures, followed by paper and cardboard at 80.3% and glass at 79.1%.
Does recycling really get recycled?
Most of it does. Material is rejected when it is the wrong type or is dirty with food, which is why sorting it correctly matters.
Which materials can be recycled for ever?
Glass and metals such as steel and aluminium. They do not lose quality when melted. Paper and plastic can only be recycled a limited number of times.
How much UK plastic is recycled?
In 2024, 53.5% of plastic packaging waste was recycled. That is the lowest rate of the main packaging materials.
What are the main recycling facts for the UK?
In 2024 the UK recycled 44.5% of household waste and 73.2% of packaging waste. Steel, paper, cardboard and glass packaging are each recycled at about 80% or more.