A “slight decrease” in recycling figures has seen Bradford tumble down a poll of the greenest cities in the country.

The survey studies the environmental impact of the largest 20 cities, and Bradford was ranked 16th this year, despite it performing third best in the environmental section.

Last year Bradford was in 10th place overall, ranking higher than neighbouring Leeds, which was placed 13th. In 2009 the tables have been turned with Leeds jumping up seven places.

Sustainable development charity Forum for the Future compiled the rankings according to environmental performance, quality of life, and how well the cities are preparing for the future.

Bradford ranked third, 17th and 18th in the three categories respectively, with the future-proofing sector dropping the most based on a slight decrease in the rate of recycling in Bradford compared to improvements made by other councils.

The city performed best in the environment category with improvements to its household waste collected per head and ecological footprint, as well as remaining in a strong position for air quality.

Newcastle topped the table, with Bristol second and Brighton and Hove third.

Peter Madden, chief executive of the forum, said: “Cities with an industrial heritage face genuine challenges, but Newcastle’s success shows that it is possible to overcome the legacy of the past and perform well on many measures of sustainability. We hope it will inspire other cities to redouble their efforts.”

Bradford Council admitted that its recycling figures had dropped slightly in 2007/08, but that that they had improved year-on-year since then, and more than five per cent overall.

Council leader Councillor Kris Hopkins said: “Our priorities in the last few years have been regeneration, education and skills, and despite a really difficult economic climate we are making progress, and our schools are constantly improving.

“However, we still build sustainability into any progress and we are taking it ever more seriously. We are aware that our recycling rates dropped during that period but have put steps in place to redress this.”

Labour group leader Councillor Ian Greenwood said the fall in ranking was disappointing.

He said: “However, I am more concerned about the long-term future than the year-on-year situation. Of particular concern is the failure to resolve the waste management issue in Bradford over the five-year contract.”

Liberal Democrat group leader Councillor Jeanette Sunderland said it appeared that small changes in the figures were having a big impact on Bradford’s ranking in this index.

“We have clearly got to do more in terms of recycling and the Council should redouble its efforts,” she said.

Green group leader Councillor Martin Love added that it was a shame the data used was not the most up-to-date. He said: “I expect there to be improvement in the future-proofing section in terms of climate change as a scrutiny of carbon management is being discussed by the Council next week.”

Emma Hill, sustainable project manager at Bradford Environmental Action Trust, said: “We are disappointed with the report’s findings but we believe the voluntary sector has an important role to play in tackling these issues through initiatives such as Forest of Bradford and cycling schemes.

“We hope to do more partnership work to tackle these problems through Bradford Environment Forum.”