The Service Indicators in Local Authorities 2007 report showed that 76% of homes had segregated collection but only 27% of waste was recycled.
However, the report also pointed out that the number of homes with segregated collection had dropped from the previous year when all homes had the service.
Westmeath was also reported as having the third highest amount of ‘significantly polluted’ areas in the country, though this was an improvement on topping the list in 2006.
Further improvements were also noted in schools, where 72% of primary pupils and 81% of secondary students participated in environmental campaigns – nearly 10% more than the year before.
The annual report, first introduced in 2005, is carried out by each local authority, which reviews its own performance in relation to a set of 42 indicators.