Residents in over 34,000 flats in the London Borough of Sutton will receive reusable recycling-collection bags following a decision by The London Waste and Recycling Board (LWARB) to award over one-hundred thousand pounds to aid improvements in recycling to Sutton Council.
The financial assistance is part of the LWARB’s “Driving up Performance Fund” and will see 17 boroughs across London given monetary support in improving recycling and related issues.
Sutton Council will be investing the funds in the procurment of reusable bags for residents living in flats, this follows extensive dialogue with residents expressing the need for recycling to be made easier and less cumbersome.
Recycling signage will also be improved to better detail what residents can or cannot recycle in the recycling bins. Research from the LWARB shows that the reuasable bags has increased residents participation and the overall tonnage of recycled material, similalry better signage is also proven to lead to a greater load of recyclable material.
Carshalton Central ward Councillor Jill Whitehead, Chair for Environment and Neighbourhood Committee said:
“We have 34,000 flats in Sutton that we estimate could produce an extra 21kg of recyclable materials per year. If we can make recycling easier for our residents we could potential divert around 700 tonnes of recyclable material away from landfill. This would bring both environmental and financial benefits.”
Sutton’s initiative was welcomed by locally based environmental and sustainability charity BioRegional, which partners with the council on a pioneering One Planet Living plan. Under this plan, Sutton has a target to increase its borough wide recycling rate to 70% in the next 12 years, and to send no waste to landfill by 2025.
BioRegional chief executive Sue Riddlestone said:
“This is a good move which will make recycling easier and more convenient for tens of thousands of people living in Sutton. It’ll push up the recycling rate, save money, benefit the environment and take us a step nearer to becoming a zero waste borough. With so many households living in flats, it’s vital that they get help and encouragement to recycle.”
Clyde Loakes, London Waste and Recycling Board Efficiencies Committee Chair and Board Member said:
“The Driving up Performance Fund will help 17 boroughs improve recycling facilities and boost recycling rates for over 1 million households. Some residents will be able to recycle from their property for the first time. This is a great step towards making it easier for residents living in the capital to recycle.”
LWARB launched the Driving up Performance Fund for local authorities last year. Each project is awarded with grants ranging from £11,700 to £200,000. Roll-out of the reusable recycling collection bags is scheduled for autumn 2014.