Boroughs across east London are recycling less than national averages, according to a new study.

Figures released as part of research by waste clearance company Envirowaste, found just four of 32 London boroughs recycle more waste than the average UK council.

Across the country, 44.9 per cent of waste collected by local authorities is now recycled into new materials.

However, only 35.5 per cent of waste is recycled in Waltham Forest, 28.7 per cent in Redbridge, 23.4 per cent in Barking and Dagenham and just 17.2 per cent in Newham.

James Rubin, owner of EnviroWaste, said: “It is very surprising to discover that the majority of London is falling below the UK national average.

“The European recycling target rate is 50% by 2020 for the UK, we’re certainly on the right path as a country but it’s evident that there are certain areas in the capital that could be doing much more.

 “In our experience areas with a high population density produce larger volumes of overall waste, making it so much harder to police and manage.

“We have also found areas where there are more renters and less home owners tend to be less involved in recycling their waste.”

The best London borough for recycling was Bexley, in the south east of the capital, where 54 per cent of waste collected is recycled.

However, nearby Lewisham was the worst area for recycling, with only 17.1 per cent of rubbish being reused.