Lib Dem led Guildford Borough Council achieves top-tier 58% recycling rate
New Government data released today shows that Liberal Democrat-led councils are leading the country in recycling, with Guildford Borough Council achieving an impressive 58% recycling rate.
The annual figures for 2024-25, published this week by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), reveal that councils led by the Liberal Democrats make up 14 of the top 20 councils in England. Lib Dem-led Guildford Borough Council has been ranked 15th out of 321 councils, successfully diverting tonnes of household waste for reuse, recycling, or composting.
This achievement reflects the Liberal Democrats' core commitment to a "Greener, Fairer, Thriving Guildford". Despite significant financial pressures, the Lib Dem-led administration has prioritised environmental services, recently passing a budget that safeguards frontline services including waste and recycling while continuing to invest in climate action.
Commenting on the figures, Cllr Angela Goodwin (Lead Councillor for Environment & Sustainability) said:
"These figures prove what we have known for a long time: when Liberal Democrats run your councils and local services, we deliver a cleaner and greener environment.
"Lib Dem councils are paving the way by making it easier for residents to recycle and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill.
"Even with the national challenges of the last year, we have maintained a recycling rate of 58% and committed to a more sustainable future. We aren't stopping here; we will continue to innovate to ensure Guildford Borough stays at the forefront of recycling in the UK."
The council remains focused on its ambitious target to become carbon neutral by 2030. Initiatives such as the annual Guildford Green Day highlight the practical steps being taken alongside residents to protect the environment and build a sustainable borough.
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
The official Government statistics on recycling rates in England can be found here.