Bassetlaw: District's '˜badge of shame' recycling rates fourth worst in country

The figures, from recycling and resource management company SITA, show that Bassetlaw is 322 out of 326 metropolitan areas in England for recycling - the fourth lowest in the country and the lowest across the East Midlands.

In 2015, Bassetlaw District Council collected 33,627 tonnes of general household waste but only 8,017 tonnes of this, around 19 per cent, was then recycled.

By 2020, the UK will be required to recycle 50 per cent of its waste.

Leon Duveen, a Liberal Democrat activist, branded the findings a “badge of shame”for the district.

He said: “It’s such a disgrace. Bassetlaw District Council needs to look at other authorities who have some brilliant schemes in place that encourage residents to recycle their waste.”

Councillor Julie Leigh, cabinet member for neighbourhoods at the council, said the authority recognised it needs to improve and was asking for views in a public survey.

She said: “At the moment a lot of garden waste that could be recycled or composted goes in the household bin.

“We are really keen to hear residents’ views on this and find out if there is any interest in paid for garden waste collection.”

Bassetlaw resident Steven Ware, who is campaigning for more recycling options in the district, said: “I am shocked to see these figures.

“A big increase in recycling over the next few years for areas like Bassetlaw could really help the UK reach its recycling target.

“It will also go a small way towards protecting the future for our children and grandchildren.”

The survey is available online at www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/recycling with paper copies available in the council offices at Retford and Worksop.