Half of what residents are throwing away in Cornwall could have been recycled, according to new analysis released as part of Recycle Week (September 14–20).
Cornwall’s recycling rate has risen by around 20 per cent since the introduction of weekly food waste collections and fortnightly recycling and rubbish rounds in 2024.
But a detailed study of rubbish from 500 homes shows that many recyclable items – including food, packaging, batteries and vapes – are still ending up in black bags.
What the analysis found
The study, carried out in July 2025 and November 2025, revealed that:
- Around 25 per cent of household rubbish was food waste
- Almost half of that food was still in its packaging
- 17 per cent of the rubbish consisted of recyclable materials such as plastics, metal, paper, card, textiles and glass
- Batteries, vapes and small electricals were also found mixed in with general waste
This Recycle Week (September 14–20), Cornwall Council is urging everyone to think twice before putting things in the bin.
Councillor Loic Rich, cabinet member with responsibility for Environment and Climate Change at Cornwall Council, said: “People in Cornwall are recycling more than ever before but this analysis shows that there is more work to be done.
“It’s quite shocking that so much food, especially food that has never been opened, is being put in the bin. This is costing families a lot of money, and it impacts our environment too.
“It’s also worrying to see things like batteries and vapes being put out with rubbish. These can cause explosions when crushed in the collection lorries so please think about the crews’ safety and recycle batteries and vapes responsibly.”
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To check if items can be recycled, use the Council’s online A–Z.
You can also find tips on how to reduce food waste and what to put in your recycling bags and boxes on the Cornwall Council website.
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