Key Facts about: Waste and Recycling
Estimated total annual waste arisings, by sector
United Kingdom
In 2004 the UK produced about 335 million tonnes of waste. The chart above shows the estimated proportion produced by each sector. This includes nearly 100 million tonnes of minerals waste from mining and quarrying, which is not subject to control under the EU Waste Framework Directive, and 220 million tonnes of controlled wastes from households, commerce and industry (including construction and demolition wastes). Household wastes represent about 9 per cent of total arisings.
Estimates shown in the chart are mainly based on data for 2004 except for estimates of sewage sludge which relate to 2005 and construction and demolition waste which relate to 2002/03. The figure for construction and demolition wastes includes excavated soil and miscellaneous materials as well as hard materials, such as brick, concrete and road planings.
Waste from the agriculture sector represents less than 1 per cent of total arisings. This waste excludes manure or straw and will come under the same legislative controls as other forms of waste in 2006. Manure and slurry when spread at the place of production, for the benefit of agriculture, will not be considered waste under the new controls.
Estimates for end of life vehicles have been included in the commercial and household sectors and figures on end of life ships have been included in the commercial sector.
In Detail:
- Total Annual Waste
- Municipal waste
- Industrial and commercial waste
- Minerals
- Sewage Sludge
- e-Digest: Coastal and marine waters Dredged spoils
Further Information:
- Source:
- Defra, Environment Agency, Water UK
- Key Facts:
- Household waste and recycling
- Industrial and commercial waste management
- Construction and Demolition waste
- Sustainable Development Indicators:
- Sustainable consumption and production: Waste
- Sustainable consumption and production: Resource use
Data Tables:
Download Chart Data: Microsoft Excel
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Page last modified: 28 September 2006
Page published: 28 September 2006