Total waste generation in United Kingdom
United Kingdom: Total waste generation was 616,865 tonnes in 2018. ▼ Falling
Total waste generation in United Kingdom, 2004–2018
Source: United Nations Statistics Division and United Nations Environment Programme – processed by Our World in Data. Measured in tonnes.
Analysis
The most recent figure for total waste generation in United Kingdom is 616,865 tonnes, measured in 2018.
Compared with earlier readings it is up 7.1% on the previous year and down 9.5% over ten years.
Over the whole period, total waste generation in United Kingdom peaked at 719,198 tonnes in 2004 and was at its lowest, 464,297 tonnes, in 2010.
United Kingdom ranks 22nd of 62 countries on this measure, in the middle of the range.
Total waste generation in United Kingdom, year by year
| Year | tonnes | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 719,198 tonnes | — |
| 2006 | 666,485 tonnes | -7.3% |
| 2008 | 681,314 tonnes | +2.2% |
| 2010 | 464,297 tonnes | -31.9% |
| 2012 | 610,133 tonnes | +31.4% |
| 2014 | 612,429 tonnes | +0.4% |
| 2016 | 576,195 tonnes | -5.9% |
| 2018 | 616,865 tonnes | +7.1% |
United Kingdom compared with similar countries
- United Kingdom's 616,865 tonnes is above the median for high income countries, which is 293,977 tonnes, 2.1× the median. (39 countries reporting)
- United Kingdom's 616,865 tonnes is above the median for Europe & Central Asia, which is 289,947 tonnes, 2.1× the median. (45 countries reporting)
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 688,999 tonnes | 666,485 tonnes | 719,198 tonnes | 3 |
| 2010s | 575,984 tonnes | 464,297 tonnes | 616,865 tonnes | 5 |
Countries ranked near United Kingdom
More environment data for United Kingdom
- Historical exposure to drought — Land soil moisture anomaly -3.13 Percentage change (2025)
- Historical exposure to drought — Cropland soil moisture anomaly -7.25 Percentage change (2025)
- Total greenhouse gas emissions excluding LULUCF (Mt CO2e), annual -3.47 % change on previous year (2024)
- Total greenhouse gas emissions excluding LULUCF (Mt CO2e), per unit 0 Mt CO2e per US$ of GDP (2024)
- Total greenhouse gas emissions excluding LULUCF (Mt CO2e), per capita 0 Mt CO2e per person (2024)
- Methane (CH4) emissions from Agriculture (Mt CO2e), annual growth rate -0.8735 % change on previous year (2024)
- Methane (CH4) emissions from Agriculture (Mt CO2e), per unit of GDP 0 Mt CO2e per US$ of GDP (2024)
- Methane (CH4) emissions from Agriculture (Mt CO2e), per capita 0 Mt CO2e per person (2024)
- Methane (CH4) emissions from Building (Energy) (Mt CO2e), annual -1.29 % change on previous year (2024)
- Methane (CH4) emissions from Building (Energy) (Mt CO2e), per unit of 0 Mt CO2e per US$ of GDP (2024)
Frequently asked questions
- What is total waste generation in United Kingdom?
- Total waste generation in United Kingdom was 616,865 tonnes in 2018, according to United Nations Statistics Division and United Nations Environment Programme – processed by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest total waste generation recorded in United Kingdom?
- The highest recorded value was 719,198 tonnes in 2004.
- What is the lowest total waste generation recorded in United Kingdom?
- The lowest recorded value was 464,297 tonnes in 2010.
- How does United Kingdom rank for total waste generation?
- United Kingdom ranks 22nd out of 62 countries with data for 2018.
- Is total waste generation rising or falling in United Kingdom?
- Over the last ten years it is down 9.5%. The long-run trend across the full record is falling.
- Where does this United Kingdom data come from?
- The figures come from United Nations Statistics Division and United Nations Environment Programme – processed by Our World in Data, published as part of Total waste generation. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Total waste generation, by activity (Tonnes).