Estimates of Residual Waste (excluding Major Mineral Wastes) and Municipal Residual Waste in England
Updated 5 April 2024
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2024
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This release presents estimates of residual waste (excluding major mineral wastes) and municipal residual waste generated in England. It includes three principle measures as summarised in the table below. These estimates of residual waste serve as indicators to track progress against the long-term target to reduce residual waste (excluding major mineral wastes) set in compliance with the Environment Act 2021 and the interim targets announced in the 2023 Environmental Improvement Plan.
What measures and time period of residual waste estimates are included in this release?
| Measure | Time period |
|---|---|
| Residual waste excluding major mineral wastes | First publication figures for the 2019-2022 calendar years. |
| Municipal residual waste | First publication figures for the 2019-2022 calendar years. |
| Residual municipal food, plastic, paper and card, metal, and glass waste | First publication figures for the 2019-2022 calendar years. |
These figures are published as official statistics in development (formerly known as experimental statistics). We welcome user feedback through the contact details provided in this release.
For more information about what data is included in the measures listed in Table 1, please refer to the methodology section of this release. A separate dataset for the estimates included in this release is available at the gov.uk website.
1. Key points
Residual waste excluding major mineral wastes
- In 2022, the estimated amount of residual waste excluding major mineral wastes per person in England was 558.8 kilograms per person, representing a decrease of 3.1% from 2021 (576.8 kilograms per person), and a decrease of 2.8% from 2019 (574.8 kilograms per person).
- This estimate corresponds to 31.9 million tonnes of residual waste excluding major mineral wastes in England in 2022, representing a decrease of 2.2% from 2021 (32.6 million tonnes), and a decrease of 1.3% from 2019 (32.3 million tonnes).
- Between 2019 and 2022, the estimated amount of residual waste excluding major mineral wastes sent to landfill decreased by 4.7% from 238.0 kilograms per person to 226.8 kilograms per person, or from 13.4 million tonnes to 13.0 million tonnes (a decrease of 3.2%). The amount put through incineration (including Energy from Waste) increased by 7.0% from 286.7 kilograms per person to 306.8 kilograms per person, or from 16.1 million tonnes to 17.5 million tonnes (an increase of 8.7%).
Municipal residual waste
- In 2022, the estimated amount of municipal residual waste in England was 464.8 kilograms per person, representing a decrease of 0.6% from 2021 (467.4 kilograms per person), and a decrease of 0.9% from 2019 (468.8 kilograms per person).
- This estimate corresponds to 26.5 million tonnes of municipal residual waste in England in 2022, representing an increase of 0.4% from 2021 (26.4 million tonnes), and an increase of 0.7% from 2019 (26.4 million tonnes).
- Between 2019 and 2022, the estimated amount of municipal residual waste sent to landfill decreased by 6.1% from 176.3 kilograms per person to 165.5 kilograms per person, or from 9.9 million tonnes to 9.5 million tonnes (a decrease of 4.7%). The amount put through incineration (including Energy from Waste) increased by 13.1% from 242.3 kilograms per person to 274.1 kilograms per person, or from 13.6 million tonnes to 15.7 million tonnes (an increase of 14.9%).
- The amount of residual waste sent outside the United Kingdom for energy recovery decreased by 49.9% from 50.2 kilograms per person to 25.2 kilograms per person, or 2.8 million tonnes to 1.4 million tonnes (a decrease of 49.1%). These figures are the same for both measures of residual waste as they are considered to originate from municipal sources.
Residual municipal food, plastic, paper and card, metal, and glass waste
- Between 2019 and 2022, the amounts of municipal residual food, plastic, paper and card, metal, and glass waste decreased by 0.9% in kilograms per person but increased by 0.7% in tonnes. Due to the methodology, these estimates are identical to the estimates of municipal residual waste but are scaled by the proportion of each material in the municipal residual waste stream. Residual municipal food waste made up the largest share of these materials, whilst residual municipal glass waste made up the smallest.
2. Definition of residual waste
Waste that is not recycled or reused, including material that is too degraded or contaminated for these purposes, is termed residual waste. Residual waste, when collected from households or commercial businesses, is often termed ‘black bag’ or ‘black wheelie bin’ waste. It can originate from households and commercial businesses, but also from sectors such as construction and demolition; agriculture, forestry and fishing; mining and quarrying; and industry. It is typically treated by methods other than recycling or reuse.
For the purpose of this release, a treatment-based definition of residual waste is used, where residual waste generated in England means any waste originating in England that is either:
-
sent to landfill in the United Kingdom,
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put through incineration in the United Kingdom,
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used in energy recovery in the United Kingdom,
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sent outside the United Kingdom for energy recovery.
This means that only residual waste originating in England, regardless of where it is treated, is included in the estimates in this release, whereas waste treated in England that originated elsewhere is excluded. Ferrous metals removed from incinerator bottom ash, otherwise known as IBA metals, which have been put through incineration or used in energy recovery in England but are then sent for treatment other than landfill or incineration are also excluded from the estimates.
For the purpose of this release, waste put through incineration includes Energy from Waste (incineration with energy generation in the form of electricity and/or heat). Waste used in energy recovery other than conventional Energy from Waste is also included in the definition of residual waste. This includes any waste treatment (excluding anaerobic digestion) that generates energy such as electricity or heat or converts the waste into other energy products such as fuels and substitute natural gas. Though this end-of-life treatment is included in the definition of residual waste, waste treated through energy recovery other than conventional Energy from Waste is not included in the estimates in this release as data is not yet available.
Please refer to the methodology section of this release for further detail about the data sets and methodology used to obtain the estimates of residual waste.
3. Residual waste excluding major mineral wastes
This measure excludes major mineral wastes (MMW). MMW are the predominant and largely inert wastes typically arising from the construction and demolition sector, such as concrete, bricks and sand, as well as soils and other mineral wastes from excavation and mining activities. Tonnages of waste classed as MMW are identified in the data through a set of List of Waste (LoW) codes.
These definitions of residual waste and MMW are consistent with the definitions used in The Environmental Targets (Residual Waste) (England) Regulations 2023 for the long-term residual waste reduction target.
The long-term residual waste reduction target commits government to ensuring that by 31 December 2042, the total mass of residual waste excluding MMW in England does not exceed 287 kilograms per person.
This long-term target is underpinned by a suite of interim targets announced in the 2023 Environmental Improvement Plan. These include targets to ensure that by 31 January 2028:
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the total mass of residual waste excluding MMW in the most recent full calendar year does not exceed 437 kilograms per person, and
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the total mass of residual waste excluding MMW in the most recent full calendar year does not exceed 25.5 million tonnes.
3.1 Estimates of residual waste excluding major mineral wastes in kilograms per person
Table 1 and Figure 1 show the amount of residual waste excluding MMW in England from 2019 to 2022 in kilograms per person. The percentage change with each year, as well as the percentage change with respect to 2019, are shown in Table 1 whilst illustrative linear trajectories to the amounts of residual waste excluding MMW necessary in 2027 and 2042 to achieve the targets are shown in Figure 1.
Table 1: Residual waste excluding major mineral wastes, kilograms per person, England, 2019 to 2022
| Year | Residual waste excluding major mineral wastes, kilograms per person | Percent change year-on-year | Percent change from 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 574.8 | – | – |
| 2020 | 550.1 | -4.3% | -4.3% |
| 2021 | 576.8 | 4.9% | 0.3% |
| 2022 | 558.8 | -3.1% | -2.8% |
Note: Percentage changes are determined on un-rounded figures so may not exactly equal percentage changes determined on the rounded figures in this table.
Download the data for this table
Figure 1: Residual waste excluding major mineral wastes, kilograms per person, England, 2019 to 2022
Note: The total mass of residual waste excluding MMW (kilograms per person) required to achieve 1) the target to reduce residual waste excluding MMW to no more than 437 kilograms per person by 31 December 2027; and 2) the target to reduce residual waste excluding MMW to no more than 287 kilograms per person by 31 December 2042 are shown by the two points in 2027 and 2042, respectively.
Note: The linear trajectories to the amounts of residual waste excluding MMW necessary to meet the targets in 2027 and 2042 are illustrative only.
Download the data for this figure
After falling from 574.8 kilograms per person in 2019 to 550.1 in 2020, the amount of residual waste excluding MMW increased to 576.8 kilograms per person in 2021 before falling again to 558.8 kilograms per person in 2022. This represented an increase of 0.3% in 2021 and a decrease of 2.8% in 2022 from 2019.
Table 2 shows the contribution, in kilograms per person, of each treatment method in the definition of residual waste for the purpose of this release between 2019 and 2022. The percentage change year-on-year as well as the percentage change with respect to 2019 are shown for each treatment method. As stated in the summary of the residual waste definition for this release, estimates of the amount of residual waste treated with each method include residual waste originating in England that is treated inside or outside of England, but excludes waste treated in England that originated elsewhere. IBA metals are also excluded from the estimates of residual waste put through incineration.
Table 2: Residual waste excluding major mineral wastes by treatment method, England, 2019 to 2022
| Treatment method | Year | Residual waste excluding major mineral wastes, kilograms per person | Percent change year-on-year | Percent change from 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sent to landfill | 2019 | 238.0 | – | – |
| 2020 | 219.9 | -7.6% | -7.6% | |
| 2021 | 243.0 | 10.5% | 2.1% | |
| 2022 | 226.8 | -6.7% | -4.7% | |
| Put through incineration (including Energy from Waste) | 2019 | 286.7 | – | – |
| 2020 | 299.3 | 4.4% | 4.4% | |
| 2021 | 307.4 | 2.7% | 7.2% | |
| 2022 | 306.8 | -0.2% | 7.0% | |
| Sent outside the United Kingdom for energy recovery | 2019 | 50.2 | – | – |
| 2020 | 30.9 | -38.4% | -38.4% | |
| 2021 | 26.4 | -14.5% | -47.4% | |
| 2022 | 25.2 | -4.7% | -49.9% | |
| Total | 2019 | 574.8 | – | – |
| 2020 | 550.1 | -4.3% | -4.3% | |
| 2021 | 576.8 | 4.9% | 0.3% | |
| 2022 | 558.8 | -3.1% | -2.8% |
Note: Percentage changes are determined on un-rounded figures so may not exactly equal percentage changes determined on the rounded figures in this table.
Download the data for this table
In 2019, the amount of residual waste excluding MMW sent to landfill stood at 238.0 kilograms per person. This amount then fluctuated between -7.6% and +2.1% of the amount in 2019 for the years 2020-2022 and stood at 226.8 kilograms per person in 2022, representing a decrease of 4.7% from 2019. The amount of residual waste excluding MMW put through incineration, however, generally increased each year compared to 2019, standing at 306.8 kilograms per person in 2022 and representing an increase of 7.0% from 2019 (286.7 kilograms per person). Although, the amount fell by 0.2% from 2021 (307.4 kilograms per person). The amount of residual waste excluding MMW sent outside the United Kingdom for energy recovery decreased year-on-year between 2019 and 2022, standing at 25.2 kilograms per person in 2022. This represented a decrease of 49.9% from 2019 (50.2 kilograms per person).
Figure 2 shows the corresponding proportions of the total for each of the residual waste treatment methods between 2019 and 2022.
Figure 2: Residual waste excluding major mineral wastes by treatment method, kilograms per person, proportion of total, England, 2019 to 2022
Note: Percentages may not add to exactly 100 due to rounding.
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Residual waste excluding MMW put through incineration has made up an increasing proportion of the total, standing at 54.9% in 2022. The amount sent outside the United Kingdom for energy recovery stood at 4.5% of the total in 2022, having fallen from 8.7% of the total in 2019. The amount sent to landfill has shown some fluctuation, and stood at 40.6% of the total in 2022, compared to 41.4% of the total in 2019.
Figure 3 shows the contribution of each treatment method considered in the definition of residual waste excluding major mineral wastes for the purpose of this release between 2010 and 2022 in kilograms per person.
Figure 3: Residual waste excluding major mineral wastes by treatment method, kilograms per person, England, 2010 to 2022
Note: Data for the years 2010-2019a does not represent the methodology that is used to obtain the estimates for the years 2019-2022. Estimates for the years 2019-2022 are indicators of long-term residual waste reduction target for England as set out in the Environmental Targets (Residual Waste) (England) Regulations 2023. Comparisons between estimates prior to and after 2019 should be made with care.
Note: Prior to 2014, data on waste put through incineration was reported biennially so there is no incineration data available for the years 2011 and 2013.
Note: Prior to 2015, data on waste sent outside the United Kingdom for energy recovery included both waste originating in England and Wales so is not included in these figures.
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Estimates of residual waste excluding MMW for 2019-2022 serve as indicators for the residual waste reduction targets as set out in the Environmental Targets (Residual Waste) (England) Regulations 2023. The estimates for 2010-2019a in Figure 3 are not indicators of the residual waste reduction targets due to limitations in the datasets. These estimates do not take into account the movement of residual waste into and out of England. They instead show the total amount of residual waste excluding MMW originating in the United Kingdom that is sent to landfill or put through incineration in England. These estimates for 2010-2019a also do not subtract IBA metals that are sent for treatment other than landfill or incineration. Estimates for 2010-2019a partially correspond to the J4 indicator in the Outcome Indicator Framework and indicators WD1 and WD4 in the Resources and Waste Strategy Monitoring Progress report, although in these indicators the data is presented in tonnes. Tonnages of waste sent outside the United Kingdom for energy recovery are only shown from 2015.
There were 8.1 kilograms per person, or about 460,000 tonnes, more residual waste excluding MMW in 2019 using the methodology that accounts for the movement of residual waste into and out of England and the exclusion of IBA metals. This was largely a result of more residual waste originating in England that is put through incineration outside of England compared to the amount of residual waste put through incineration in England that originated from elsewhere, and therefore increasing the amount of residual waste in scope of this measure.
Historically, prior to 2019, the amount of residual waste excluding MMW sent to landfill had decreased from 467.5 kilograms per person in 2010 to 244.6 kilograms per person in 2019, a decrease of 47.7%. The amount of residual waste excluding MMW put through incineration more than doubled from 112.8 kilograms per person in 2010 to 271.9 kilograms per person in 2019. In 2019, the amount of residual waste excluding MMW sent outside the United Kingdom for energy recovery stood at 50.2 kilograms per person, a decrease of 2.5% from 2015 (51.5 kilograms per person), although this amount fluctuated by similar amounts between 2015 and 2019.
3.2 Estimates of residual waste excluding major mineral wastes in tonnes
Table 3 and Figure 4 shows the amount of residual waste excluding MMW in tonnes in England from 2019 to 2022. The percentage change year-on-year and the percentage change with respect to 2019 is included in Table 3 whilst an illustrative linear trajectory to the amount of residual waste excluding MMW necessary in 2027 to achieve the target is shown in Figure 4.
Table 3: Residual waste excluding major mineral wastes, million tonnes, England, 2019 to 2022
| Year | Residual waste excluding major mineral wastes, million tonnes | Percent change year-on-year | Percent change from 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 32.3 | – | – |
| 2020 | 31.0 | -4.1% | -4.1% |
| 2021 | 32.6 | 5.3% | 0.9% |
| 2022 | 31.9 | -2.2% | -1.3% |
Note: Percentage changes are determined on un-rounded figures so may not exactly equal percentage changes determined on the rounded figures in this table.
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Figure 4: Residual waste excluding major mineral wastes, million tonnes, England, 2019 to 2022
Note: The total mass of residual waste excluding MMW (million tonnes) required to achieve the target to reduce residual waste excluding MMW to no more than 25.5 million tonnes by 31 December 2027 is shown by the point in 2027.
Note: The linear trajectory to the amount of residual waste excluding MMW necessary to meet the target in 2027 is illustrative only.
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In tonnes, the amount of residual waste excluding MMW in 2022 stood at 31.9 million tonnes, representing a decrease of 1.3% from 2019 (32.3 million tonnes).
Table 4 shows the contribution, in tonnes, of each treatment method in the definition of residual waste for the purpose of this release between 2019 and 2022. The percentage change year-on-year as well as the percentage change with respect to 2019 are shown for each treatment method.
Table 4: Residual waste excluding major mineral wastes by treatment method, million tonnes, England, 2019 to 2022
| Treatment method | Year | Residual waste excluding major mineral wastes, million tonnes | Percent change year-on-year | Percent change from 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sent to landfill | 2019 | 13.4 | – | – |
| 2020 | 12.4 | -7.4% | -7.4% | |
| 2021 | 13.7 | 11.0% | 2.7% | |
| 2022 | 13.0 | -5.8% | -3.2% | |
| Put through incineration (including Energy from Waste) | 2019 | 16.1 | – | – |
| 2020 | 16.9 | 4.6% | 4.6% | |
| 2021 | 17.4 | 3.1% | 7.8% | |
| 2022 | 17.5 | 0.8% | 8.7% | |
| Sent outside the United Kingdom for energy recovery | 2019 | 2.8 | – | – |
| 2020 | 1.7 | -38.3% | -38.3% | |
| 2021 | 1.5 | -14.2% | -47.1% | |
| 2022 | 1.4 | -3.8% | -49.1% | |
| Total | 2019 | 32.3 | – | – |
| 2020 | 31.0 | -4.1% | -4.1% | |
| 2021 | 32.6 | 5.3% | 0.9% | |
| 2022 | 31.9 | -2.2% | -1.3% |
Note: Percentage changes are determined on un-rounded figures so may not exactly equal percentage changes determined on the rounded figures in this table.
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In 2019, the amount of residual waste excluding MMW sent to landfill stood at 13.4 million tonnes. This amount then fluctuated between -7.4% and +2.7% between 2020 and 2022, standing at 13.0 million tonnes in 2022. This represented a decrease of 3.2% from 2019. The amount of residual waste excluding MMW put through incineration increased each year compared to 2019, standing at 17.5 million tonnes in 2022 and representing an increase of 8.7% from 2019 (16.1 million tonnes). The amount of residual waste excluding MMW sent outside the United Kingdom for energy recovery decreased every year between 2019 and 2022, standing at 1.4 million tonnes in 2022. This represented a decrease of 49.1% from 2019 (2.8 million tonnes).
4. Municipal residual waste
Municipal waste includes both household waste and waste from other sources which is similar in nature and composition to household waste, including “household-like” waste generated by businesses. Tonnages of waste classed as municipal are similarly identified in the data through a set of LoW codes. Please refer to the methodology section of this release for further detail about the data and methodology used to obtain the estimates presented in this release.
The 2023 Environmental Improvement Plan includes an interim target to ensure that, by 31 January 2028, the total mass of municipal residual waste in the most recent full calendar year does not exceed 333 kilograms per person.
4.1 Estimates of municipal residual waste in kilograms per person
Table 5 and Figure 5 show the amount of municipal residual waste in England for 2019 to 2022 in kilograms per person. The percentage change with each year, as well as the percentage change with respect to 2019, is shown in Table 5, whilst an illustrative linear trajectory to the amount of municipal residual waste necessary in 2027 to achieve the target is shown in Figure 5.
Table 5: Municipal residual waste, kilograms per person, England, 2019 to 2022
| Year | Municipal residual waste, kilograms per person | Percent change year-on-year | Percent change from 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 468.8 | – | – |
| 2020 | 450.5 | -3.9% | -3.9% |
| 2021 | 467.4 | 3.7% | -0.3% |
| 2022 | 464.8 | -0.6% | -0.9% |
Note: Percentage changes are determined on un-rounded figures so may not exactly equal percentage changes determined on the rounded figures in this table.
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Figure 5: Municipal residual waste, kilograms per person, England, 2019 to 2022
Note: The total mass of municipal residual waste (kilograms per person) required to achieve the target to reduce municipal residual waste to no more than 333 kilograms per person by 31 December 2027 is shown by the point in 2027.
Note: The linear trajectory to the amount of municipal residual waste necessary to meet the target in 2027 is illustrative only.
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After falling from 468.8 kilograms per person in 2019 to 450.5 kilograms per person in 2020, the amount of municipal residual waste increased to 467.4 kilograms per person and 464.8 kilograms per person in 2021 and 2022, respectively, representing decreases of 0.3% and 0.9% from 2019.
Table 6 shows the contribution, in kilograms per person, of the amount of municipal residual waste for each treatment method in the definition of residual waste for the purpose of this release between 2019 and 2022. The percentage change year-on-year as well as the percentage change with respect to 2019 are shown for each treatment method.
Table 6: Municipal residual waste by treatment method, kilograms per person, England, 2019 to 2022
| Treatment method | Year | Municipal residual waste, kilograms per person | Percent change year-on-year | Percent change from 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sent to landfill | 2019 | 176.3 | – | – |
| 2020 | 159.4 | -9.6% | -9.6% | |
| 2021 | 172.3 | 8.1% | -2.3% | |
| 2022 | 165.5 | -3.9% | -6.1% | |
| Put through incineration (including Energy from Waste) | 2019 | 242.3 | – | – |
| 2020 | 260.2 | 7.4% | 7.4% | |
| 2021 | 268.7 | 3.2% | 10.9% | |
| 2022 | 274.1 | 2.0% | 13.1% | |
| Sent outside the United Kingdom for energy recovery | 2019 | 50.2 | – | – |
| 2020 | 30.9 | -38.4% | -38.4% | |
| 2021 | 26.4 | -14.5% | -47.4% | |
| 2022 | 25.2 | -4.7% | -49.9% | |
| Total | 2019 | 468.8 | – | – |
| 2020 | 450.5 | -3.9% | -3.9% | |
| 2021 | 467.4 | 3.7% | -0.3% | |
| 2022 | 464.8 | -0.6% | -0.9% |
Note: Percentage changes are determined on un-rounded figures so may not exactly equal percentage changes determined on the rounded figures in this table.
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Between 2019 and 2022, the amount of municipal residual waste sent to landfill per person fluctuated between -9.6% and -2.3% of the amount in 2019 (176.3 kilograms per person). The amount in 2022 stood at 165.5 kilograms per person, representing a decrease of 6.1% from 2019. The amount of municipal residual waste put through incineration increased each year compared to 2019, standing at 274.1 kilograms per person in 2022 and representing an increase of 13.1% from 2019 (242.3 kilograms per person). Estimates of the amount of residual waste excluding MMW sent outside the United Kingdom for energy recovery are the same as those for the residual waste excluding MMW measure as these tonnages are considered to originate from municipal sources. The amount of municipal residual waste sent outside the United Kingdom for energy recovery decreased year-on-year between 2019 and 2022, standing at 25.2 kilograms per person in 2022. This represents a decrease of 49.9% from 2019 (50.2 kilograms per person).
Figure 6 shows the corresponding proportions of the total amount of municipal residual waste for each of the treatment methods between 2019 and 2022.
Figure 6: Municipal residual waste by treatment method, kilograms per person, proportion of total, England, 2019 to 2022
Note: Percentages may not add to exactly 100 due to rounding.
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The proportion of municipal residual waste put through incineration was 59.0% in 2022. Between 2019 and 2022, the proportion of municipal residual waste put through incineration increased by 7.3 percentage points. The proportion of municipal residual waste sent outside the United Kingdom for energy recovery decreased each year between 2019 and 2022, standing at 5.4% of the total in 2022. The proportion was 10.7% of the total in 2019. The proportion of municipal residual waste sent to landfill stood at 35.6% of the total in 2022, having fluctuated between 35.4% and 37.6% of the total between 2019 and 2022.
Figure 7 shows the contribution of each treatment method considered in the definition of municipal residual waste for the purpose of this release between 2010 and 2022 in kilograms per person.
Figure 7: Municipal residual waste by treatment method, kilograms per person, England, 2010 to 2022
Note: Data for the years 2010-2019a does not represent the methodology that is used to obtain the estimates for the years 2019-2022. Estimates for the years 2019-2022 are indicators of long-term residual waste reduction target for England as set out in the Environmental Targets (Residual Waste) (England) Regulations 2023. Comparisons between estimates prior to and after 2019 should be made with care.
Note: Prior to 2014, data on waste put through incineration was reported biennially so there is no incineration data available for the years 2011 and 2013.
Note: Prior to 2015, data on waste sent outside the United Kingdom for energy recovery included both waste originating in England and Wales so is not included in these figures.
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The estimates for 2010-2019a in Figure 7 do not represent the complete methodology as described in the definition of residual waste at the beginning of this release. These estimates do not take into account the movement of residual waste into and out of England. They instead show the total amount of municipal residual waste originating in the United Kingdom that is sent to landfill or put through incineration in England. These estimates for 2010-2019a also do not subtract IBA metals that are sent for treatment other than landfill or incineration.
There were 15.6 kilograms per person more municipal residual waste in 2019 using the methodology that accounts for the movement of residual waste into and out of England and the exclusion of IBA metals. This corresponds to about 880,000 tonnes and is largely a result of more municipal residual waste originating in England that is put through incineration outside of England compared to the amount of municipal residual waste put through incineration in England that originated from elsewhere.
Historically, prior to 2019, the amount of municipal residual waste sent to landfill had decreased from 352.1 kilograms per person in 2010 to 175.5 kilograms per person in 2019, a decrease of 50.2%. The amount of municipal residual waste put through incineration almost tripled from 80.8 kilograms per person in 2010 to 227.5 kilograms per person in 2019.
4.2 Estimates of municipal residual waste in tonnes
Tables 7 and 8 show the amount of municipal residual waste in tonnes in England from 2019 to 2022, firstly for the total in Table 7 and then by treatment method in Table 8. The percentage change year-on-year and the percentage change with respect to 2019 is included in both Tables 7 and 8.
Table 7: Municipal residual waste, million tonnes, England, 2019 to 2022
| Year | Municipal residual waste, million tonnes | Percent change year-on-year | Percent change from 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 26.4 | – | – |
| 2020 | 25.4 | -3.7% | -3.7% |
| 2021 | 26.4 | 4.2% | 0.3% |
| 2022 | 26.5 | 0.4% | 0.7% |
Note: Percentage changes are determined on un-rounded figures so may not exactly equal percentage changes determined on the rounded figures in this table.
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After falling from 26.4 million tonnes in 2019 to 25.4 million tonnes in 2020, a decrease of 3.7%, the amount of municipal residual waste in England increased again to 26.4 million tonnes in 2021. In 2022, the amount of municipal residual waste generated in England stood at 26.5 million tonnes, an increase of 0.4% from 2021 and 0.7% from 2019.
Table 8: Municipal residual waste by treatment method, million tonnes, England, 2019 to 2022
| Treatment method | Year | Municipal residual waste, million tonnes | Percent change year-on-year | Percent change from 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sent to landfill | 2019 | 9.9 | – | – |
| 2020 | 9.0 | -9.4% | -9.4% | |
| 2021 | 9.7 | 8.5% | -1.7% | |
| 2022 | 9.5 | -3.0% | -4.7% | |
| Put through incineration (including Energy from Waste) | 2019 | 13.6 | – | – |
| 2020 | 14.7 | 7.6% | 7.6% | |
| 2021 | 15.2 | 3.7% | 11.5% | |
| 2022 | 15.7 | 3.0% | 14.9% | |
| Sent outside the United Kingdom for energy recovery | 2019 | 2.8 | – | – |
| 2020 | 1.7 | -38.3% | -38.3% | |
| 2021 | 1.5 | -14.2% | -47.1% | |
| 2022 | 1.4 | -3.8% | -49.1% | |
| Total | 2019 | 26.4 | – | – |
| 2020 | 25.4 | -3.7% | -3.7% | |
| 2021 | 26.4 | 4.2% | 0.3% | |
| 2022 | 26.5 | 0.4% | 0.7% |
Note: Percentage changes are determined on un-rounded figures so may not exactly equal percentage changes determined on the rounded figures in this table.
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Between 2019 and 2022, the amount of municipal residual waste sent to landfill fluctuated between -9.5% and +8.5% of the amount sent to landfill in 2019 (9.9 million tonnes). The amount in 2022 stood at 9.5 million tonnes, representing a decrease of 4.7% from 2019. The amount of residual municipal waste put through incineration increased each year compared to 2019 standing at 15.7 million tonnes in 2022, representing an increase of 14.9% from 2019 (13.6 million tonnes). Estimates of the amount of municipal residual waste sent outside the United Kingdom for energy recovery are the same as those for the residual waste excluding MMW measure as these tonnages are considered to originate from municipal sources. The amount of municipal residual waste sent outside the United Kingdom for energy recovery decreased every year between 2019 and 2022, standing at 1.4 million tonnes in 2022. This represented a decrease of 49.1% from 2019 (2.8 million tonnes).
4.3 Material-specific estimates of municipal residual waste in kilograms per person
The 2023 Environmental Improvement Plan also includes interim targets requiring reductions of material-specific municipal residual waste, including food, plastic, paper and card, metal, and glass, in kilograms per person, by 31 January 2028. Specifically, the interim targets require that, by 31 January 2028:
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the total mass of residual municipal food waste in the most recent full calendar year does not exceed 64 kilograms per person,
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the total mass of residual municipal plastic waste in the most recent full calendar year does not exceed 42 kilograms per person,
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the total mass of residual municipal paper and card waste in the most recent full calendar year does not exceed 74 kilograms per person,
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the total mass of residual municipal metal waste in the most recent full calendar year does not exceed 10 kilograms per person,
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the total mass of residual municipal glass waste in the most recent full calendar year does not exceed 7 kilograms per person.
Table 9 and Figure 8 show the amount of municipal residual waste in England from 2019 to 2022 in kilograms per person (and tonnes for Table 9) for different material streams including food, paper and card, plastic, metal, and glass. The estimates of the amount of municipal residual waste for each material are obtained by applying estimates of the material composition of municipal residual waste to the total amount of estimated municipal residual waste. Material composition estimates of municipal residual waste are obtained from a synthesis of analyses using data from 2017, published by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) in 2020. Please refer to the methodology section for further details about how these estimates are obtained. Illustrative linear trajectories to the amount of municipal residual waste necessary to meet each material-specific target in 2027 are shown in Figure 8.
Table 9: Municipal residual waste by types of material, kilograms per person, England, 2019 to 2022
| Measure | Year | Total | Food | Paper and card | Plastic | Metal | Glass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Municipal residual waste, kilograms per person | 2019 | 468.8 | 126.7 | 98.8 | 75.1 | 16.5 | 12.3 |
| 2020 | 450.5 | 121.8 | 94.9 | 72.2 | 15.8 | 11.8 | |
| 2021 | 467.4 | 126.4 | 98.5 | 74.9 | 16.4 | 12.2 | |
| 2022 | 464.8 | 125.6 | 97.9 | 74.5 | 16.3 | 12.2 | |
| Municipal residual waste, million tonnes | 2019 | 26.4 | 7.1 | 5.6 | 4.2 | 0.9 | 0.7 |
| 2020 | 25.4 | 6.9 | 5.3 | 4.1 | 0.9 | 0.7 | |
| 2021 | 26.4 | 7.1 | 5.6 | 4.2 | 0.9 | 0.7 | |
| 2022 | 26.5 | 7.2 | 5.6 | 4.3 | 0.9 | 0.7 |
Note: The sum of the estimates for each material will not equal the total estimate as the proportions of food, plastic, paper and card, metal, and glass in the municipal residual waste stream does not equal 100%.
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Figure 8: Municipal residual waste by types of material, kilograms per person, England, 2019 to 2022
Note: The linear trajectories to the amount of municipal residual waste necessary to meet each material-specific target in 2027 are illustrative only.
Note: The sum of the estimates for each material in Table will not equal the total estimate as the sum of the proportions of food, plastic, paper and card, metal, and glass in the municipal residual waste stream does not equal 100%.
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As a result of the methodology by which material-specific estimates of the amount of municipal residual waste are obtained, the year-on-year changes shown in Figure 8 between 2019 and 2022 are identical for each material, as well as identical to the total estimated amount of municipal residual waste.
5. Summary of residual waste estimates in England
The estimates of residual waste measures included in this release serve as indicators to track progress against the long-term, legally binding Environment Act 2021 residual waste reduction target, and the interim targets announced in the 2023 Environmental Improvement Plan.
The statutory residual waste reduction target, otherwise known as the long-term target, specifies that, by the end of 31 December 2042:
Long-term target: the total mass of residual waste excluding MMW in England for the calendar year 2042 does not exceed 287 kg per person.
There are a total of 8 interim residual waste reduction targets. The interim targets require reductions in residual waste excluding MMW in kilograms per person and tonnes, as well as reductions in residual municipal waste in kilograms per person, by 31 January 2028. There are further material-specific interim targets, requiring reductions in residual municipal food, plastic, paper and card, metal, and glass waste, in kilograms per person, by 31 January 2028. Specifically, the interim targets require that, by 31 January 2028:
Interim target 1: the total mass of residual waste excluding MMW in the most recent full calendar year does not exceed 437 kilograms per person.
Interim target 2: the total mass of residual waste excluding MMW in the most recent full calendar year does not exceed 25.5 million tonnes.
Interim target 3: the total mass of residual municipal waste in a year does not exceed 333 kilograms per person.
Interim targets 4: the total mass of residual municipal food waste in the most recent full calendar year does not exceed 64 kilograms per person.
Interim targets 5: the total mass of residual municipal plastic waste in the most recent full calendar year does not exceed 42 kilograms per person.
Interim targets 6: the total mass of residual municipal paper and card waste in the most recent full calendar year does not exceed 74 kilograms per person.
Interim targets 7: the total mass of residual municipal metal waste in the most recent full calendar year does not exceed 10 kilograms per person.
Interim targets 8: the total mass of residual municipal glass waste in the most recent full calendar year does not exceed 7 kilograms per person.
Tables 10 and 11 show a comparison between the estimates of residual waste for each measure in 2022 and 2019 with the amount of residual waste for each measure required by long-term residual waste reduction target in 2042 and the interim residual waste reduction targets in 2027. The residual waste reduction target associated with each measure of residual waste is also listed.
Table 10: Summary of the long-term residual waste reduction target and the estimated amount of residual waste excluding major mineral wastes in England in 2022
| Target | Measure | 2019 estimate | Amount required in 2042 | 2022 estimate | Percent change in 2022 from 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-term target | Residual waste excluding major mineral wastes | 574.8 kilograms per person | 287.0 kilograms per person | 558.8 kilograms per person | -2.8% |
Note: The estimated amount of residual waste excluding MMW in the year 2019 is higher than previously published estimates of this amount by about 0.5 kilograms per person. This is because the mid-year population estimate for 2019 has been rebased to align with the results of the 2021 Census and resulted in a slightly lower population estimate. Rebasing of mid-year population estimates was performed for the years 2012-2022 by the Office for National Statistics. The amount of residual waste excluding MMW required in 2042, 287.0 kilograms per person, remains unchanged.
Note: Percentage changes are determined on un-rounded figures so may not exactly equal percentage changes determined on the rounded figures in this table.
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Table 11: Summary of the interim residual waste reduction targets and estimates of the residual waste measures included in this release in 2022
| Interim target | Measure | 2019 estimate | Amount required in 2027 | 2022 estimate | Percent change in 2022 from 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interim target 1 | Residual waste excluding major major mineral wastes | 574.8 kilograms per person | 437.0 kilograms per person | 558.8 kilograms per person | -2.8% |
| Interim target 2 | Residual waste excluding major mineral wastes | 32.3 million tonnes | 25.5 million tonnes | 31.9 million tonnes | -1.3% |
| Interim target 3 | Residual municipal waste | 468.8 kilograms per person | 333.0 kilograms per person | 464.8 kilograms per person | -0.9% |
| Interim target 4 | Residual municipal food waste | 126.7 kilograms per person | 64.0 kilograms per person | 125.6 kilograms per person | -0.9% |
| Interim target 5 | Residual municipal plastic waste | 75.1 kilograms per person | 42.0 kilograms per person | 74.5 kilograms per person | -0.9% |
| Interim target 6 | Residual municipal paper and card waste | 98.8 kilograms per person | 74.0 kilograms per person | 97.9 kilograms per person | -0.9% |
| Interim target 7 | Residual municipal metal waste | 16.5 kilograms per person | 10.0 kilograms per person | 16.3 kilograms per person | -0.9% |
| Interim target 8 | Residual municipal glass waste | 12.3 kilograms per person | 7.0 kilograms per person | 12.2 kilograms per person | -0.9% |
Note: The estimates for the year 2019 are slightly higher than previously published estimates as result of rebasing the mid-year population estimates for 2012-2021 to align with the results of the 2021 Census, which led to a slightly lower population estimate. Rebasing of mid-year population estimates was performed for the years 2012-2022 by the Office for National Statistics. The different amounts of residual waste for each measure required in 2027 remain unchanged.
Note: Percentage changes are determined on un-rounded figures so may not exactly equal percentage changes determined on the rounded figures in this table.
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6. Methodology
There is an accompanying methodology document that is provided alongside this release with further detail about the methodology used to obtain the estimates of residual waste presented in this release. A summary is provided below.
The estimates of residual waste in this release use a treatment-based definition of residual waste that includes waste originating in England that is either:
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sent to landfill in the United Kingdom,
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put through incineration in the United Kingdom,
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used in energy recovery in the United Kingdom,
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sent outside the United Kingdom for energy recovery.
Not all residual waste that is treated through one of the above methods is included in the scope of the measures in this release:
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Tonnages of waste defined as ‘major mineral wastes’ are excluded from the residual waste excluding MMW measure.
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Only tonnages of waste defined as ‘municipal’ waste are included in the municipal residual waste measure.
Tonnages of waste within the scope of the measures and for each of the above treatment methods are obtained using Environment Agency (EA) regulatory data on waste treatment, including Waste Data Interrogator, incinerator monitoring reports, and international waste shipments data.
Figure 9 shows a graphical summary of how the datasets are used to obtain estimates for each measure of residual waste included in this release.
Figure 9: Summary graphic of the calculation method for the estimates of residual waste in this release
7. Glossary of terms
Energy recovery: Facilities where the main purpose is generation of energy and formal R1 accreditation has been awarded. Facilities without R1 accreditation are reported as incineration (disposal) even if they produce some energy. Energy recovery also includes any waste treatment, excluding anaerobic digestion, which generates energy such as electricity or heat or which converts the waste into other energy products such as fuels and substitute natural gas. Data on tonnages of waste used in energy recovery other than conventional Energy from Waste (incineration with energy generation in the form of electricity and/or heat) is not included in this release as it is not yet available.
Incineration: Disposal through the combustion of waste. This includes waste that has been processed into a refused derived fuel or solid recovered fuel. There may also be recovery of energy from the generation of heat and power. For this release, Energy from Waste (incineration with energy generation in the form of electricity and/or heat) is included in the tonnages of waste put through incineration.
Landfill: Waste disposed of at a landfill site. Landfill sites are often located in disused mines or quarries. In areas where they are limited or no ready-made voids exist, the practice of landraising is sometimes carried out, where waste is deposited above ground and the landscape is contoured.
Major mineral wastes: Major mineral wastes are the predominant and largely inert wastes typically arising from the construction and demolition sector, such as concrete, bricks and sand, as well as soils and other mineral wastes from excavation and mining activities
Municipal waste: Municipal waste includes both household waste and waste from other sources which is similar in nature and composition to household waste, including “household-like” waste generated by businesses.
Refuse derived fuel (RDF): Material that is produced from waste, has undergone some sort of treatment process, and is intended for use as a fuel (Environment Agency, 2015). This is typically fuel produced by shredding and dehydrating municipal solid waste and consists largely of combustible components such as plastics and biodegradable waste.
Residual waste: Waste that is not reused or recycled, including material that is too degraded or contaminated for these purposes, is termed residual waste. Residual waste, when collected from households or commercial businesses, is often termed ‘black bag’ or ‘black wheelie bin’ waste. It can originate from households and commercial businesses, but also from sectors such as construction and demolition; agriculture, forestry and fishing; mining and quarrying; and industry. It is typically treated by methods other than recycling or reuse.
Solid recovered fuel (SRF): A waste-derived fuel distinguished from RDF in that it is produced to reach a specific quality standard.
8. What you need to know about this release
Our statistical practice is regulated by the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR). The OSR sets the standards of trustworthiness, quality, and value in the Code of Practice for Statistics that all producers of official statistics should adhere to. You can read about how Official Statistics in Defra comply with these standards on the Defra Statistics website.
You are welcome to contact us directly with any comments about how we meet these standards using the contact details below. Alternatively, you can contact the OSR by emailing regulation@statistics.gov.uk or via the OSR website.
8.1 Contact details
Responsible statistician: Hayden Smith
Email: WasteStatistics@Defra.gov.uk
Media enquiries: 0330 041 6560 (Defra Press Office) or refer to Defra’s media enquiries page.
8.2 Official statistics in development
Official statistics in development are produced under the guidance of the Head of Profession for Statistics. They are published to involve users and stakeholders at an early stage in assessing their suitability and quality. Official statistics in development were previously known as experimental statistics.
The assumptions and limitations in producing the estimates in this release are described in the methodology section of this release. In time, we expect it may be possible to mitigate these through the introduction of digital waste tracking and obtaining up-to-date estimates of some of the data-driven assumptions that are made, such as the material composition fractions of municipal waste. A non-exhaustive list of assumptions and limitations Defra will seek to reduce in time, and how they could be mitigated, includes:
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more robust data regarding the tonnages of waste moving between England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland following the introduction of digital waste tracking,
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up-to-date estimates of the material composition of municipal residual waste, obtained through commissioned research,
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improved estimates of the non-municipal proportion of the waste codes considered municipal waste for the purpose of the estimates presented in this release, particularly for the waste code 19 12 12, obtained through commissioned research,
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improved estimates of the tonnages of ferrous metals removed from incinerator bottom ash following the introduction of digital waste tracking,
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the inclusion of tonnages of residual waste that are used in other energy recovery (including fuel).
Defra will review the assumptions and limitations of the estimates of residual waste included in this release in future updates of this release.
8.3 Feedback
We welcome feedback on the data from all users including how and why the data is used. This helps us to understand the value of the statistics to external users. Please see our contact details section of this release.
8.4 Revisions policy
Defra will provide information about any revisions made to published information in this statistics release and the associated datasets. Revisions could occur for various reasons, including when data from third parties is unavailable or provisional at the time of publishing or if there are subsequent methodological improvements or refinements.