A recent study analysing waste production across England brings good news for Somerset Waste Partnership, as it ranks far down the list at 190th place, signifying effective waste management and high recycling rates.

The National Skip Hire Company, Reliable Skip, conducted the study, comparing the waste collected in 2022 by each Local Authority with its population to identify which regions produce the most waste.

Somerset Waste Partnership's data reveals a collection of 271,604 tonnes of waste for its population of 689,404. This amounts to 3,904 tonnes of waste per 10,000 population, a figure significantly lower than those at the top of the rankings.

This lower waste production can be attributed to Somerset's successful recycling strategies, which result in much of the waste being recycled rather than heading to landfill. By taking the sustainable route, Somerset is contributing significantly to preserving the environment and reducing the carbon footprint.

The latest report, for financial year 2021-22, reflects Somerset's residents' support for recycling, and hard work by the staff of our collections contractor SUEZ and recycle sites operator Biffa.

Tracking every tonne of the waste Somerset creates shows that the reprocessing companies are legitimate and that no recycling is burned, dumped or ends up in the ocean. And it shows what kinds of products and packaging Somerset "waste" can become, from cardboard boxes to plastic pipes, soil conditioner to car parts.

Overall, in 2021-22, Somerset recycled and reused 149,980 tonnes with a recycling rate for the year of 56.2% – up from 52.4%. This saved the equivalent of 133,663 tonnes of carbon. We sent 108,428 tonnes of refuse to generate electricity through the Avonmouth energy-from-waste plant. Just 12,567 tonnes went to landfill.

Despite its smaller population, the Council of the Isles of Scilly topped the list with a startling 7,605 tonnes of waste per 10,000 population. Westminster City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council followed in second and third places, respectively.

Paul Bennett, Operations Director at Reliable Skip, noted the contrast: "A tiny authority like the Isles of Scilly tops the list, producing one of the highest per capita waste figures in the country. Interestingly, larger and more populated areas, including only two from London, make the top 10, demonstrating that high population does not necessarily mean more waste."

Somerset's lower position on this list showcases the region's commitment to sustainable waste management practices and its determination to improve recycling rates. This research highlights the efforts Somerset is making in its environmental stewardship, reinforcing its status as a leading example of green practices in waste management across England.