Recycling on the rise in Blackburn with Darwen as sites hit new record

SUEZ, who operate the borough’s two household waste recycling centres on behalf on Blackburn with Darwen Council, launched their recycling project in 2024 to reduce the number of recyclables ending up in general waste. The average recycling rate across the two sites previously stood at around 47%, but in July this year, the sites have recorded a record combined recycling rate of 57%.

Reuse has also become an increasing focus at the sites. Since January 2025, more than 10 tonnes of items have been diverted for reuse, either through sales at the new reuse shop at Blackburn HWRC or through donation to local charities including The Children’s Storehouse and Nightsafe, who have received reusable furniture, clothing, toys and other items collected through the sites, helping reusable goods find new homes while supporting people in the local community.

The Blackburn Reuse Shop opened earlier this year, providing a shop for good-quality items that might otherwise have been thrown away, allowing residents to purchase affordable preloved goods.

The progress is being highlighted during Recycle Week, which runs from 14 – 20 September, as households across the UK are encouraged to rescue recyclable materials from rubbish and recognise the value of keeping resources in circulation.

Janine Scott, Production Operations Manager at SUEZ, said: “Moving from a 47% recycling rate when we started to 57% is a really encouraging sign of the progress being made across both sites. It comes down to residents taking the time to separate their materials and our teams making sure we recover as much as possible for recycling and reuse."

“Recycle Week is a great opportunity to build on that progress. We want people visiting our sites to think about what can be recycled, and also whether something they no longer need could have another life.”

Councillor Jim Casey, Executive Member for Environment and Communities at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said: “I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made alongside our residents to boost recycling rates across our household waste recycling centres. Reaching a 57% recycling rate is a fantastic milestone and demonstrates our community’s commitment to reducing waste and keeping valuable resources in circulation."

“The success of the Blackburn Reuse Shop, alongside our partnerships with local charities, shows how items that might otherwise be thrown away can become valuable resources for others."

“Recycle Week is the perfect opportunity to thank everyone for their continued efforts and encourage all residents to keep separating their materials before visiting our sites.”

Residents visiting either recycling centre are encouraged to separate recyclable materials before arriving and to speak to site staff if they have good-quality items that may be suitable for reuse.

The Blackburn Reuse Shop at George Street West is open every day except Wednesday in line with HWRC opening hours. Residents need to arrive by car and provide proof they live in the borough.