⚠️ Archived Content
This page relates to the 2019–2024 National Park Management Plan, which is now archived. For the latest aims and objectives, please visit the 2025–30 Management Plan landing page.
Develop and implement ‘Circular Economy’ strategies that reduce litter and waste in the National Park, and increase re-cycling in line with the National Waste Strategy.
How the local partners are doing on this objective
Progress: Within the fiver former district council areas that included land in the National Park, the overall average household waste recycling rate increased from 39.9% in 2019 to 40.7% in 2023 (the last year for which figures are available). Still some way below the original national strategy target of 50%.
Rationale: Circular product life cycles are a sustainable alternative to the traditional linear life cycle of ‘make, use and dispose’. The aim is to extract maximum use from a product thereby minimising waste. For example, by designing it to last a long time, by reducing packaging, by reusing products, repairing them and maximising the capacity for recycling. This objective seeks to apply this philosophy to litter and waste generation in the National Park
Lead partners: North Yorkshire Council; Westmorland & Furness Council; Lancashire County Council;
Supporting partners: Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority;
Further information: North Yorkshire LEP;
Cost over 5 years: n/a
Funding shortfall: n/a
Related objectives: B8; C3; E9; F6
Ecosystem services: Climate regulation; Energy source
Trade-offs: None
Baseline: Average weighted constituent District rate for recycling household waste was 41.2% (2017/18)