New data highlights both progress and challenges for England’s waste sector

A recent report from IPSOS takes a closer look at how England’s waste and recycling performance is evolving and where the biggest challenges remain. 

The overall picture is complex. Recycling rates have largely plateaued, pressure on local authorities continues to grow, and long-term environmental targets remain difficult to achieve.

At the same time, there are genuine signs of progress. According to the report, 90% of people now see food waste as an important national issue, a sentiment that reflects growing public awareness around recycling and waste reduction. Food waste collections are also expanding, while national reforms aim to bring greater consistency to local systems.

But one of the clearest findings is that confusion remains a major barrier. Many households still aren’t confident about what can and cannot be recycled, leading to contamination, missed material and inconsistent participation.

That’s something the newly introduced Simpler Recycling scheme aims to improve by providing clarity for residents as well as greater consistency in what is collected and how services operate across the country. But as many councils are already experiencing, major operational changes of this scale inevitably come with some early challenges.

For @ Neil Jeremiah, our Managing Director, the key is ensuring councils have the flexibility to adapt as requirements continue to evolve: “Legislation, targets and collection models will continue to change over time. What’s important is having fleet solutions and operational support in place that allow councils to adapt confidently, without disrupting day-to-day service delivery.”

The report is a useful reminder that improving recycling rates isn’t just about targets or infrastructure. Communication, consistency and day-to-day service delivery all play an important role.If your council is navigating changes linked to Simpler Recycling, our team would be happy to discuss how Endurance can support your plans. Call 01291 440 750 or email sales@endurancevs.com

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