Environmental regulator Sepa says households recycled 42.8% of waste in 2025 - down from 44.3% the previous year.
Scotland's recycling rates at five-year low. How is your area doing?

Original reporting
BBC Science: read the full reportRelated stories

What's happening to our rubbish?
As Scotland's recycling rate falls to its lowest level in five years, Kevin Keane looks at what happens to our rubbish.

New weather warning as third storm hits Scotland
The country is braced for the third storm in as many days as communities continue to clean up after the weekend.

Will a new strategy help protect Northern Ireland's nature?
About 40% of the plants and animals in protected sites across Northern Ireland fall short of meeting the standard for "favourable condition".

Wildlife appeal closes in on £30m target
The government pledges £1.9m to wildlife groups' efforts to buy the Rothbury Estate.

Regular spaceplane flights planned in project
Spaceplanes could take off on regular flights from Cornwall following an agreement.
Common drugs may help dangerous viruses spread through the body
A surprising discovery reveals that widely used anti-inflammatory drugs may unintentionally help dangerous viruses spread through the body. Scientists found that JAK inhibitors, prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, can weaken a crucial immune defense against influenza, COVID-19, and other infections. By suppressing genes that normally fight viruses, these medications may leave patients more vulnerable to infection.