Rochdale has one of the worst recycling rates in the country

Date published: 23 November 2007

Rochdale has one of the worst recycling rates in the country - despite the council’s attempts to make the borough cleaner and greener.

Shock new figures from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) place Rochdale near the bottom of the table of all local authorities in England.

The borough’s rate of 18.69 per cent is only slightly better than neighbouring Oldham's whose 15.5% puts them sixth from the bootm of the table.

Tameside was one of the most improved authorities in the country for reducing non-recyclable waste with a rate of 24.28 per cent.

The national recycling rate now stands at 31 per cent - way above Rochdale's figure.

Climate Change and Waste Minister, Joan Ruddock, said: "Some authorities are not doing anywhere near enough. Under-performing councils must do more to help their residents reduce rubbish and recycle more."

Since the figures were collated, the council has launched alternate fortnightly waste collections with the belief it will improve recycling rates.