Home / Environment / Incinerators Trump Recycling in England's Waste Battle
Incinerators Trump Recycling in England's Waste Battle
7 Dec, 2025
Summary
- England's recycling rate for household waste grew from 12% to 40% over a decade.
- Newly commissioned incinerators provided a quicker alternative for local authorities.
- Cash-strapped councils found incineration cheaper and easier than recycling.
Over a ten-year period, England achieved significant progress in municipal waste recycling, with rates increasing from 12 percent to 40 percent. This substantial improvement in recycling capacity was paralleled by the commissioning of new incinerator facilities across the country.
These newly operational incinerators offered local authorities a distinct advantage. Facing financial constraints, many councils viewed incineration as a more immediate, straightforward, and potentially less expensive method for waste disposal compared to enhanced recycling programs.
The availability of incineration facilities thus presented a compelling alternative for cash-strapped municipalities. This created a complex dynamic in waste management strategy, as the ease and perceived cost-effectiveness of incineration began to influence decisions, potentially impacting the sustained growth of recycling rates.
