Borough praised for recycling success

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by Environment minister Elliot Morley

In a letter to council leader Edward Lister the minister thanked the borough for its 'substantial commitment to improving recycling and composting rates and working for a more sustainable approach to waste management.'


He added: "I know just how difficult the challenge is and my department is keen to work with you to ensure even higher rates are achieved."

Wandsworth residents are currently recycling almost 19 per cent of household waste. This compares with the
council's target in the last year of 16 per cent.  The borough is now working towards a new target of 24 per cent over the next two years.

Cllr Lister said the orange sack scheme launched in April 2003 had revolutionised recycling habits in the borough:

"Almost overnight we were able to double the amount of recycled waste we collected from the doorstep. We are now working hard to encourage take-up in areas where we still need to improve.

"We have also installed 250 new recycling banks in blocks of flats throughout the borough with another 950 to come by the end of the year. This is all adding up over the next two years to around 2000 new recycling banks in private and council estates and mansion blocks.

"There will be no let up in our drive to achieve the higher recycling rates now required by 2006."

Any estate or block wishing to have an early delivery of bins should contact telephone 020 8870 6233 or email dgill@wandsworth.gov.uk

You can also call this number for further information on how to minimise household waste or visit
http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/recycling

August 19, 2004