Recycling is essential for protecting our natural resources and reducing the environmental impact of the waste generated globally. In 2025, new trends and data highlight the growing importance of waste recycling across different materials and sectors.
Here’s an overview of key recycling statistics and what they mean for the future of waste management.
5 Recycling Statistics
Plastic Recycling Still Has Room for Improvement
Despite growing awareness of plastic waste, only 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled, according to the UN Environment Programme. In 2025, global efforts aim to improve plastic recycling through better collection systems and innovative technologies.
In the UK alone, around 5 million tonnes of plastic are used annually, and initiatives to recycle more plastic bottles are helping reduce reliance on virgin raw materials.
Paper Recycling Helps Save Resources
Recycling just one tonne of paper saves 17 trees, 380 gallons of oil, and 3 cubic metres of landfill space, according to WRAP.
As of 2025, the UK’s paper recycling rate exceeds 70%, showcasing significant progress in reducing the waste stream of this common material.
The Growth of Electronic Waste Recycling
Electronic waste is one of the fastest growing waste types in the world, with an estimated 57.4 million tonnes of e-waste generated annually, according to the Global E-Waste Monitor.
Recycling electronics can recover valuable materials such as gold, silver, and palladium, while reducing the burden on landfill sites.
Food Waste Still a Major Challenge
Around 9.5 million tonnes of food waste are produced annually in the UK, according to WRAP. Efforts to address this include encouraging households and businesses to reduce waste and compost wherever possible. Diverting food waste from landfill sites reduces methane emissions, a significant contributor to climate change.
Municipal Waste Recycling Rates on the Rise
The UK has made strides in municipal waste recycling, achieving a 44% recycling rate in 2022. By 2025, this figure is expected to grow, driven by improved waste collection systems and public awareness campaigns. Higher recycling rates reduce reliance on landfills and support a sustainable waste management system.
The Role of Glass and Plastic Bottles in Recycling
Recycling a single glass bottle saves enough energy to power a light bulb for four hours, according to Recycle Now. Similarly, recycling just one plastic bottle conserves enough energy to power a computer for 25 minutes.
With millions of bottles used daily, their impact on the waste stream is significant, and boosting recycling efforts can make a huge difference.
The Importance of Recycling in Preserving Resources
Recycling helps reduce the extraction of natural resources, such as trees, oil, and minerals. By using recycled materials, we can lower the environmental impact of producing goods while conserving finite resources for future generations.
The Future of Recycling
The recycling landscape in 2025 highlights both successes and challenges across key waste types, from plastic recycling to paper recycling and beyond. By improving waste management systems and increasing public participation, we can continue to make strides in reducing the amount of waste generated and protecting our planet.
To learn how National Recycling can support your business in achieving its recycling goals, get in touch today. We collect and recycle waste for businesses nationwide, providing efficient, optimised collections to reduce your C02 output. If you generate cardboard, paper, WEEE or hazardous items, we are here to help.
