East Lothian recycling rates sixth highest in Scotland

Figures released by SEPA have shown that East Lothian’s recycling rates are the sixth highest in Scotland. 

East Lothian is recycling 53.1% of its waste, higher than the national average of 43.5%. Our recycling rate is the same as last year but means we have moved from seventh to sixth place amongst Scottish local authorities. 

The period covered by the report is January to December 2023 so the figures do not take into account the changes made in moving to a three weekly general waste collection, which came into effect on 1 April. 

Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Council’s spokesperson on Environment, said: “This is a great result for East Lothian as this level of recycling means that we are saving more than 100,000 tonnes of CO2. I’d like to thank everyone in East Lothian for their efforts in helping protect our environment. 

“It’s heartening to see that the message about the importance of recycling is getting across as the amount of waste going to landfill has decreased right across Scotland, according to these latest figures. We expect that East Lothian’s recycling rate will be higher still when the 2024 figures are available, reflecting our new service provision of weekly recycling and three weekly general waste – and the continued support, involvement and co-operation of our residents.”

 For the full report, visit the SEPA website.