Crap Towns / Shetland Islands / Recycling
How much does Shetland Islands recycle?
Shetland Islands council recycled or composted 19.6% of household waste in 2025-26, 54% lower than Scotland's 42.8%. That is up from 19.5% in 2010-11.
Shetland burns its rubbish to heat Lerwick. Recycling never stood a chance.
| Year | Here | Scotland |
|---|---|---|
| 2010-11 | 19.5% | 38.2% |
| 2011-12 | 16.7% | 39.6% |
| 2012-13 | 13.5% | 40.6% |
| 2013-14 | 12.2% | 41.6% |
| 2014-15 | 9.0% | 42.9% |
| 2015-16 | 9.2% | 44.1% |
| 2016-17 | 7.9% | 45.1% |
| 2017-18 | 8.0% | 45.6% |
| 2018-19 | 10.5% | 44.7% |
| 2019-20 | 17.1% | 44.9% |
| 2020-21 | 18.4% | 42.1% |
| 2021-22 | 18.1% | 43.0% |
| 2022-23 | 20.7% | 43.3% |
| 2023-24 | 20.7% | 43.5% |
| 2024-25 | 20.5% | 44.3% |
| 2025-26 | 19.6% | 42.8% |
| Council | % recycled or composted, 2025-26 |
|---|---|
| Moray | 50.8% |
| Highland | 45.8% |
| Aberdeenshire | 44.7% |
| Shetland Islands | 19.6% |
| Orkney Islands | 18.2% |
| Across Scotland | 42.8% |