---
title: UK waste & recycling media reputation tracker – September 2026
canonical_url: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-waste-recycling-2026-09
type: dataset
publisher: Omniscan
sector: UK Waste & Recycling
period: September 2026
coverage_start: '2026-09-01'
coverage_end: '2026-09-30'
date_published: '2026-10-04'
last_updated: '2026-10-04'
organisations: 6
articles_analysed: 746
mentions: 121
data_download: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-waste-recycling-2026-09/data.json
summary: Biffa had the highest average monthly share of coverage (33.1%) among 6 companies
  in UK earned media from 1 September 2026 to 30 September 2026, ahead of Suez UK
  (19.8%) and Veolia (15.7%).
---

# UK waste & recycling media reputation tracker: September 2026 (1 September 2026–30 September 2026)

> Biffa had the highest average monthly share of coverage (33.1%) among 6 companies in UK earned media from 1 September 2026 to 30 September 2026, ahead of Suez UK (19.8%) and Veolia (15.7%). Cory had the most favourable net tone (+75). Omniscan analysed 746 articles containing 121 mentions of the companies tracked.

Interactive version: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-waste-recycling-2026-09

## UK Waste & Recycling ranking by share of coverage, September 2026

| Rank | Organisation | Average monthly share of coverage | Mentions | Positive | Neutral | Negative | Net tone |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Biffa | 33.1% | 40 | 63% | 30% | 7% | +55 |
| 2 | Suez UK | 19.8% | 24 | 63% | 12% | 25% | +38 |
| 3 | Veolia | 15.7% | 19 | 68% | 32% | 0% | +68 |
| 4 | FCC Environment | 14.9% | 18 | 22% | 33% | 45% | −22 |
| 5 | Grundon | 13.2% | 16 | 50% | 50% | 0% | +50 |
| 6 | Cory | 3.3% | 4 | 75% | 25% | 0% | +75 |

## Companies in detail

### Biffa

**Recycling innovation and safety actions underpin Biffa’s lead**

Biffa ranked 1st of 6 by average monthly share of coverage (33.1%) in the UK Waste & Recycling benchmark for September 2026, with 40 mentions and a net tone of +55.

BBC reporting highlighted Biffa Polymers’ use of optical, infrared and image analysis at Redcar to recover food-grade plastic from milk bottles, with the facility having processed the equivalent of more than 10 billion bottles. Biffa ranked first with 40 mentions and a 33.1% share of tracked-company mentions. Recycling and the circular economy was its largest subject area, accounting for 16 mentions, followed by operations, safety and incidents with 11. Safety coverage included measures introduced after the Corrie McKeague inquest and the Stop the Spark battery-disposal campaign launched with the West Sussex Waste Partnership. The company also secured a five-year Argyll and Bute waste contract and urged manufacturers to review packaging recyclability before the October reporting deadline for extended producer responsibility. Further reporting covered Biffa’s procurement strategy, its proposed kerbside collections for discarded vapes and its use of Greyparrot’s live dashboard to identify operational losses at materials recovery facilities.

Key messages:

- Biffa accounted for 33.1% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #1 among 6 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Recycling & Circular Economy and Operations, Safety & Incidents.
- 40 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Biffa Polymers’ technology-supported milk-bottle recycling at Redcar — BBC

Leading themes:

- Recycling & Circular Economy: 40.0% of Biffa's coverage (theme index 1.62, net tone +100)
- Operations, Safety & Incidents: 27.5% of Biffa's coverage (theme index 1.71, net tone +18)
- Collections, Councils & Contracts: 10.0% of Biffa's coverage (theme index 0.48, net tone 0)

Notable positive coverage:

- 18 September 2026, procurementmag.com: [Biffa's Rob Alexander: Clarity in Sourcing Creates Value](https://procurementmag.com/news/biffas-rob-alexander-clarity-in-sourcing-creates-value). Biffa chief procurement officer Rob Alexander outlines the company's procurement strategy, centred on embedding procurement within business units and tendering requirements. He argues that clear communication and outcome-focused sourcing create commercial value.
- 24 September 2026, packagingnews.co.uk: [Biffa urges manufacturers to review recyclability ahead of pEPR deadline](https://www.packagingnews.co.uk/news/waste-management/recycling-waste-management/biffa-urges-manufacturers-to-review-recyclability-ahead-of-pepr-deadline-24-09-2026). Biffa is urging manufacturers to assess packaging recyclability before the 1 October pEPR reporting deadline. It highlighted that PackUK's red, amber and green ratings will determine modulated fees and cited work to improve Ribena bottle recyclability.
- 19 September 2026, bbc.com: [AI helps recycle old milk bottles into new plastic packaging](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c674k7zv02v1o). Biffa Polymers' Redcar facility is using AI-based optical, infrared and image analysis to identify HDPE milk bottles for food-grade recycling. The plant has processed the equivalent of more than 10 billion milk bottles and continues to employ about 200 people.

Notable negative coverage:

- 24 September 2026, bbc.com: [Corrie Mckeague's mum: 'I've given myself closure; my son's dead'](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm3wj23v9964o). On the tenth anniversary of Corrie McKeague's disappearance, his mother criticises Biffa over its handling of evidence and says bins in Bury St Edmunds remain unlocked. Biffa says it has added warning signage, provides staff training and is committed to learning from the inquest.
- 29 September 2026, manchestereveningnews.co.uk: ['Horrendous' smell and rats at new-build flats as bins go unemptied for weeks](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/rats-horrendous-smell-bury-new-34689507). Residents at a new-build development in Radcliffe reported uncollected bins, odour, flies and rats, with one resident saying the property manager was in discussion with Biffa. Great Places Housing Group said the waste had since been cleared and it was reviewing longer-term collection and storage arrangements.

- [Biffa deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-waste-recycling-2026-09?entity=biffa&view=deep-dive)
- [Biffa PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-waste-recycling-2026-09/reports/biffa.pdf)

### Suez UK

**Suez wins DRS contracts as East Devon changes operator**

Suez UK ranked 2nd of 6 by average monthly share of coverage (19.8%) in the UK Waste & Recycling benchmark for September 2026, with 24 mentions and a net tone of +38.

Suez UK ranked second in September with 24 mentions, representing 19.8% of tracked-company mentions. Independent coverage led with Suez winning Deposit Return Scheme logistics and processing contracts across four English regions. Collections, councils and contracts was the largest subject area with nine mentions, followed by recycling and the circular economy with five and operations, safety and incidents with three. Recycling coverage included the BBC’s report that a reuse shop supplied through a Suez-operated recycling centre sold more than 30,000 items and diverted over 70 tonnes from landfill. Operational stories included an estimated £30 million repair bill following the Avonmouth materials recovery facility fire and the council and Suez cleanup after Notting Hill Carnival, for which the BBC reported about 200 staff and 30 vehicles overall. Further coverage reported East Devon replacing Suez with its council-owned operator, alongside Suez employment and industry-recognition stories.

Key messages:

- Suez UK accounted for 19.8% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #2 among 6 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Collections, Councils & Contracts and Recycling & Circular Economy.
- 24 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Suez wins Deposit Return Scheme contracts across four English regions — letsrecycle.com

Leading themes:

- Collections, Councils & Contracts: 37.5% of Suez UK's coverage (theme index 3.03, net tone 0)
- Recycling & Circular Economy: 20.8% of Suez UK's coverage (theme index 0.65, net tone +100)
- Other: 16.7% of Suez UK's coverage (theme index 2.02, net tone 0)

Notable positive coverage:

- 17 September 2026, bbc.com: [Alex Batty's new life and job since he was abducted by his mother](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm790rxl8wvpo). SUEZ UK manager Daniel Carolan contacted Alex Batty after hearing him discuss difficulties finding work, leading to Batty securing a job with the waste-management company. Batty said employment had given him purpose and financial security for his family.
- 30 September 2026, letsrecycle.com: [Winners of DRS waste tenders announced](https://www.letsrecycle.com/news/winners-of-drs-waste-tenders-announced/). Suez has won Deposit Return Scheme logistics and processing contracts covering four English regions: North-East, North-West, West-Central and South West. The UK-wide DRS is scheduled to launch in October 2027.
- 16 September 2026, letsrecycle.com: [Rising stars celebrated at 35 Under 35 Awards 2026](https://www.letsrecycle.com/news/rising-stars-celebrated-at-35-under-35-awards-2026/). The 2026 35 Under 35 Awards recognised emerging waste and resources professionals, including multiple employees of SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK. Grundon Waste Management sponsored the programme, while a Veolia employee was also among the winners.

Notable negative coverage:

- 9 September 2026, metro.co.uk: ['Refuse workers broke my bin - why should I have to pay for new one?'](https://metro.co.uk/2026/09/09/refuse-workers-broke-bin-pay-new-one-29567932/). An Ashford resident disputed a charge for replacing a recycling bin he said was damaged during collection. Ashford Borough Council subsequently apologised and agreed to supply a free replacement; Suez is the borough's waste operator.
- 9 September 2026, mirror.co.uk: [Binmen broke man's bin then council told him to pay £34 for a new one](https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/binmen-broke-mans-bin-council-37641859). An Ashford resident alleged that refuse collectors damaged his recycling bin before the council initially sought a £34 replacement charge. The council later said the charge was issued in error and agreed to replace the bin free of charge; Suez operates waste collections in the borough.
- 22 September 2026, letsrecycle.com: [Avonmouth MRF fire leaves Suez facing £30m repair bill](https://www.letsrecycle.com/news/avonmouth-mrf-fire-leaves-suez-facing-30m-repair-bill/). SUEZ estimates that reinstating its Avonmouth MRF after the July 2026 fire could cost around £30 million. The company has called for better separation of rechargeable devices and a vape deposit-return scheme, while Biffa data and proposals are cited in support of wider action.

- [Suez UK deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-waste-recycling-2026-09?entity=suezuk&view=deep-dive)
- [Suez UK PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-waste-recycling-2026-09/reports/suezuk.pdf)

### Veolia

**Veolia secures £183m East London waste contract**

Veolia ranked 3rd of 6 by average monthly share of coverage (15.7%) in the UK Waste & Recycling benchmark for September 2026, with 19 mentions and a net tone of +68.

Veolia secured a £183m, 10.25-year East London Waste Authority contract covering transfer stations, recycling centres and haulage, with investment planned in sorting and circular-economy facilities. It ranked third with 19 mentions and a 15.7% share of tracked-company mentions. Recycling and the circular economy was the largest subject area, accounting for eight mentions, followed by collections, councils and contracts with four and energy-from-waste and infrastructure with three. Further operational developments included its selection as intended operator for four Surrey councils, while Hertfordshire County Council also reported the opening of the Eastern Transfer Station, which Veolia will operate. Veolia also sold its 20% stake in the Rookery South energy-from-waste facility to Encyclis while remaining the plant’s principal waste supplier. Other coverage highlighted the safe evacuation and same-day reopening of its Hortonwood Recycling Centre after a suspected Second World War device was deposited, alongside the UK’s first Neuroinclusive Access Award for its Newton-le-Willows site.

Key messages:

- Veolia accounted for 15.7% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #3 among 6 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Recycling & Circular Economy and Collections, Councils & Contracts.
- 19 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- East London Waste Authority awarded Veolia a £183m contract — Interplas Insights.

Leading themes:

- Recycling & Circular Economy: 42.1% of Veolia's coverage (theme index 1.53, net tone +88)
- Collections, Councils & Contracts: 21.1% of Veolia's coverage (theme index 1.26, net tone +50)
- Energy from Waste & Infrastructure: 15.8% of Veolia's coverage (theme index 2.3, net tone +67)

Notable positive coverage:

- 4 September 2026, resourcemedia.eco: [News](https://resourcemedia.eco/). Joint Waste Solutions has named Veolia as intended operator of the waste collection and street-cleaning contract for Elmbridge, Mole Valley, Surrey Heath and Woking. Veolia is due to take over from Amey LG in June 2027.
- 26 September 2026, sthelensstar.co.uk: [Newton-le-Willows recycling centre becomes first in UK to win autism award](https://www.sthelensstar.co.uk/news/26571649.newton-le-willows-recycling-centre-wins-uk-first-award/). Veolia-operated Newton-le-Willows Household Waste Recycling Centre has become the first UK site to receive the National Autistic Society's Neuroinclusive Access Award. The site introduced staff training and accessible visitor resources for neurodivergent residents.
- 1 September 2026, london-post.co.uk: [Go behind the scenes to discover the wonders of recycling at Veolia’s Southwark ‘Wonder Day’](https://london-post.co.uk/go-behind-the-scenes-to-discover-the-wonders-of-recycling-at-veolias-southwark-wonder-day/). Veolia will open its Southwark materials recovery facility to the public for its 2026 Wonder Day. The event will offer recycling-facility tours, vehicle demonstrations and reuse workshops.

- [Veolia deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-waste-recycling-2026-09?entity=veolia&view=deep-dive)
- [Veolia PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-waste-recycling-2026-09/reports/veolia.pdf)

### FCC Environment

**Harborough contract lands amid sustained landfill scrutiny**

FCC Environment ranked 4th of 6 by average monthly share of coverage (14.9%) in the UK Waste & Recycling benchmark for September 2026, with 18 mentions and a net tone of −22.

Independent reporting led with FCC Recycling UK’s £50.5 million, seven-year Harborough environmental services contract, covering waste collection, street cleansing, grounds maintenance and weekly food-waste collections from April 2027. FCC Environment recorded 18 mentions and a 14.9% share of tracked-company mentions, placing fourth among the six companies. Operations, safety and incidents dominated the subject mix with eight mentions, ahead of collections, councils and contracts and environment, emissions and pollution, each with three. Coverage centred on the Appleford Sidings fire, including residents’ smoke and health concerns, controlled burning, its extinguishment after 12 days and an Environment Agency investigation. Other reporting covered permit breaches linked to odours at Sutton Courtenay and FCC Environment’s timetable to stop accepting active waste at Welbeck Landfill in December 2026 before restoration. The Harborough award and Buckinghamshire paint-reuse partnership provided a separate contracts and circular-economy strand, while, as context, wider sector articles included FCC Environment representatives in RWM discussions and commentary on reuse, repair and waste policy.

Key messages:

- FCC Environment accounted for 14.9% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #4 among 6 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Operations, Safety & Incidents and Collections, Councils & Contracts.
- 18 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Harborough’s £50.5 million environmental services contract award — letsrecycle.com

Leading themes:

- Operations, Safety & Incidents: 44.4% of FCC Environment's coverage (theme index 2.86, net tone −87)
- Collections, Councils & Contracts: 16.7% of FCC Environment's coverage (theme index 0.95, net tone +100)
- Environment, Emissions & Pollution: 16.7% of FCC Environment's coverage (theme index 0, net tone −33)

Notable positive coverage:

- 21 September 2026, resourcemedia.eco: [Harborough awards £50.5m environmental services contract to FCC](https://resourcemedia.eco/newsfeed/harborough-awards-505m-environmental-services-contract-to-fcc). Harborough District Council has awarded FCC Recycling UK a seven-year environmental services contract worth about £50.5m, beginning in April 2027. FCC will provide waste collection, street cleansing, grounds maintenance and weekly food-waste collections.
- 18 September 2026, letsrecycle.com: [Harborough confirms winner of £50.5m waste contract](https://www.letsrecycle.com/news/harborough-confirms-winner-of-50-5m-waste-contract/). Harborough District Council has awarded FCC Recycling UK a £50.5 million, seven-year environmental services contract beginning in April 2027. The contract covers waste collection, street cleansing and grounds maintenance, including weekly food-waste collections.

Notable negative coverage:

- 21 September 2026, witneygazette.co.uk: [Smoke smell sweeps Oxfordshire after fire at landfill site](https://www.witneygazette.co.uk/news/26568647.smoke-smell-sweeps-oxfordshire-blaze-landfill-site/). A significant fire in a waste pile at FCC Environment's Sutton Courtenay landfill has caused continuing smoke and odour complaints from nearby Oxfordshire residents. FCC Environment, the Environment Agency and fire service said they were monitoring the incident and working to resolve it safely.
- 28 September 2026, oxfordmail.co.uk: [Landfill site fire finally extinguished after 12 days](https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/26587391.didcot-landfill-fire-finally-extinguished-12-days/). A fire at FCC Environment's Appleford Sidings composting and landfill site near Didcot was extinguished after 12 days. The Environment Agency is investigating the cause, potential permit breaches and possible enforcement action following smoke and odour impacts on residents.
- 22 September 2026, bbc.com: [Residents 'upset' over landfill site controlled burn](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cmrl6w3n8jxeo). A fire at FCC Environment's Appleford Sidings landfill site in Sutton Courtenay is being managed through controlled burning. Residents reported smoke, ash and health concerns, while agencies said the approach was the safest option for the incident.

- [FCC Environment deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-waste-recycling-2026-09?entity=fccenvironment&view=deep-dive)
- [FCC Environment PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-waste-recycling-2026-09/reports/fccenvironment.pdf)

### Grundon

**Regolite launch anchors Grundon’s September profile**

Grundon ranked 5th of 6 by average monthly share of coverage (13.2%) in the UK Waste & Recycling benchmark for September 2026, with 16 mentions and a net tone of +50.

Independent editorial coverage led with Grundon and Down To Earth Developments launching Regolite, a recycled-aggregates joint venture at Kennetholme Quarry in Berkshire. Grundon’s £2.6m facility upgrade is expected to enable processing of about 120,000 tonnes of construction-related waste annually. Grundon recorded 16 mentions, representing 13.2% of tracked-company mentions and placing it fifth among the six companies. Recycling and the circular economy was the largest subject area with six mentions, followed by policy and regulation and other sector topics with four each, while collections, councils and contracts accounted for one. Policy articles cited Grundon among six MRF operators seeking a whole-system review of the Deposit Return Scheme, but did not focus on the company. Wider sector coverage also referenced Grundon’s participation in RWM discussions, electric-machinery projects and sponsorship of the 35 Under 35 awards.

Key messages:

- Grundon accounted for 13.2% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #5 among 6 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Recycling & Circular Economy and Policy & Regulation (EPR & Simpler Recycling).
- 16 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Grundon and DTE launch recycled aggregates joint venture — letsrecycle.com

Leading themes:

- Recycling & Circular Economy: 37.5% of Grundon's coverage (theme index 1.31, net tone +100)
- Other: 25.0% of Grundon's coverage (theme index 3.28, net tone 0)
- Policy & Regulation (EPR & Simpler Recycling): 25.0% of Grundon's coverage (theme index 8.75, net tone 0)

Notable positive coverage:

- 8 September 2026, resourcemedia.eco: [Grundon and Down To Earth launch recycled aggregates joint venture](https://resourcemedia.eco/newsfeed/grundon-and-down-to-earth-launch-recycled-aggregates-joint-venture). Grundon and Down To Earth Developments have formed Regolite, a recycled-aggregates joint venture at Kennetholme Quarry in Berkshire. The £2.6m upgraded facility is intended to process about 120,000 tonnes of construction-related waste annually into recycled aggregate.
- 9 September 2026, letsrecycle.com: [Grundon and DTE launch recycled aggregates joint venture](https://www.letsrecycle.com/news/grundon-and-dte-launch-recycled-aggregates-joint-venture/). Grundon and Down To Earth Developments have launched Regolite, a recycled-aggregates joint venture at Kennetholme Quarry in Berkshire. The £2.6m upgraded facility is expected to process about 120,000 tonnes of construction-related waste annually.
- 10 September 2026, insidermedia.com: [Waste management business invests £2.6m at Berkshire quarry in new recycled aggregate joint venture](https://www.insidermedia.com/news/south-east/waste-management-business-invests-2.6m-at-berkshire-quarry-in-new-recycled-aggregate-joint-venture). Grundon has invested £2.6m to upgrade Kennetholme Quarry near Thatcham and formed recycled-aggregate joint venture Regolite with Down To Earth Developments. The facility is expected to process about 120,000 tonnes of construction-related waste annually.

- [Grundon deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-waste-recycling-2026-09?entity=grundon&view=deep-dive)
- [Grundon PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-waste-recycling-2026-09/reports/grundon.pdf)

### Cory

**Government-backed heat networks shape Cory’s September coverage**

Cory ranked 6th of 6 by average monthly share of coverage (3.3%) in the UK Waste & Recycling benchmark for September 2026, with 4 mentions and a net tone of +75.

Independent reporting on Cory centred on RHN Developments securing £53.1m of government funding for two London heat-network projects. New Civil Engineer detailed the London Strategic Heat Main and Riverside Heat Network, which would use surplus low-carbon heat from Cory’s Belvedere Riverside Campus. Yahoo Finance reported Cory’s plan to transport waste heat by Thames barges, alongside £41m earmarked by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Cory recorded four mentions, representing 3.3% of tracked-company mentions and placing it sixth. All four mentions concerned energy-from-waste and infrastructure, while three covered Cory’s heat-network plans. Separately, edp24.co.uk referred to compensation paid to Cory Wheelabrator after an earlier Norfolk incinerator proposal was cancelled, rather than reporting a development at Cory.

Key messages:

- Cory accounted for 3.3% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #6 among 6 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Energy from Waste & Infrastructure.
- 4 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Two London low-carbon heating proposals receive combined £53.1M from government — newcivilengineer.com

Leading themes:

- Energy from Waste & Infrastructure: 100.0% of Cory's coverage (theme index 19.5, net tone +75)

Notable positive coverage:

- 24 September 2026, partnershipsbulletin.com: [Cory secures £53m for London heat network projects](https://www.partnershipsbulletin.com/article/1970800/cory-secures-53m-london-heat-network-projects). Cory subsidiary RHN Developments has secured £53.14m of UK government funding for two London heat-network projects.
- 24 September 2026, newcivilengineer.com: [Two London low-carbon heating proposals receive combined £53.1M from government](https://www.newcivilengineer.com/uncategorized/two-london-low-carbon-heating-proposals-receive-combined-53-1m-from-government-24-09-2026/). Cory Group subsidiary RHN Developments has received £53.1m in government funding for the London Strategic Heat Main and Riverside Heat Network. The schemes would use surplus low-carbon heat from Cory's Belvedere Riverside Campus, initially including heat transported by Thames barges.
- 23 September 2026, uk.finance.yahoo.com: [Labour backs net zero scheme to ship hot water to homes by river barge](https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/labour-backs-net-zero-scheme-160126339.html). Cory Group is developing a Thames barge scheme to carry waste heat from its Belvedere plant to London heat networks, with £41m earmarked by DESNZ. The report also quotes TaxPayers’ Alliance criticism of the proposed public spending.

- [Cory deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-waste-recycling-2026-09?entity=cory&view=deep-dive)
- [Cory PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-waste-recycling-2026-09/reports/cory.pdf)

## Methodology

- **Share of coverage**: an organisation's mentions divided by all mentions of the organisations tracked in the same sector that month, in UK earned media. It is the central measure of media visibility in Omniscan benchmarks. "Average monthly share" is the mean of the monthly shares across the reporting period.
- **Mention**: one article that covers an organisation, classified as positive, neutral or negative in tone. Articles are deduplicated, and an organisation's own websites and passing sponsorship name-checks are excluded, so only earned media counts.
- **Net tone**: positive mentions minus negative mentions, as a percentage of all mentions (range −100 to +100).
- **Themes**: every article is assigned to one of the sector's editorial themes. A theme index above 1 means the organisation is covered on that theme more than its peers are; below 1 means less.
- **Calculation**: every figure is computed directly from the classified articles; narrative summaries are checked against those figures.
- **Sources**: UK national and international, trade and specialist, regional and local, and aggregator and syndication earned media.

## Other UK Waste & Recycling editions

- [UK waste & recycling media reputation tracker – 2026 year to date](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-waste-recycling-2026-ytd.md)
- [UK waste & recycling media reputation tracker – H1 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-waste-recycling-2026-h1.md)
- [UK waste & recycling media reputation tracker – July 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-waste-recycling-2026-07.md)
- [UK waste & recycling media reputation tracker – August 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-waste-recycling-2026-08.md)
- [All Omniscan media benchmarks](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks.md)

## How to cite

Omniscan, "UK waste & recycling media reputation tracker", September 2026 (1 September 2026–30 September 2026), published 4 October 2026. https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-waste-recycling-2026-09