| Wandsworth must improve recycling |
Tags: Recycling
| Thursday, 05 March 2009 17:23 |
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A number of small scale common sense changes made a huge difference to the numbers of people recycling in blocks of flats – which typically have poor participation rates in recycling schemes. Staff also reported an improvement in the tidiness and cleanliness of the area - with recyclable waste diverted, the bins no longer overflowed. At present in Tooting blocks of flats have outdoor communal recycling bins. Recycling even has to be posted into the big bins through a small flap due to problems with animals getting into the bins. The recycling project was delivered by London Remade Solutions and Sauce Consultancy, who were commissioned by North Fulham New Deal for Communities, together with Hammersmith and Fulham Council and Hammersmith and Fulham Homes. The project employed a variety of methods, outlined below, depending on the existing facilities and managed to increase participation in recycling to 98%. Recycling chutes - A second rubbish chute in a block of flats was converted into a recycling chute. Instead of having to carry recycling downstairs and outside, residents dropped it into the chute. The system was simple to install, as all that was needed were signs to make residents aware of the change. Mini-banks - In lower-rise blocks mini recycling stations were installed on each floor in communal areas. These allowed residents to dump bags of recycling into the bins provided. Twice weekly collections removed the bags, with collection days changed to gauge their effectiveness. Doorstep collections - In blocks where walkways and stairways were wide enough, recycling could simply be left outside residents' doors for a weekly collection. This resulted in the least amount of work for residents, although they did have to store the recycling bags inside their flat until collection day. Sadiq Khan MP said “I have written to Wandsworth Council to urge them to re-evaluate their recycling schemes for blocks of flats in light of the results of this project. “This Council has thousands of properties in blocks around the Borough where residents would like to recycle more. The Council needs to help more. “This isn’t about party politics – It’s about sharing good ideas and good practice – I hope that the Council take my suggestion on board. “Small common sense ideas like these can clearly make the world of difference. I hope that these measures are adopted by the Council. “Local people want to recycle and to do their bit. It is up to the Council to make sure that they have appropriate schemes in place in order to enable people to do so.” |
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