‘Cities like Milan put London’s recycling rates to shame’

United Kingdom – London’s mayor Sadiq Khan has pledged to increase the UK capital’s recycling rate from 33% to 42% and to send zero biodegradable or recyclable waste to landfill by 2030.

His comments follow the publication of a report ‘Wasting London’s Future’ by The London Assembly Environment Committee, which examines the city’s circular economy potential, its household recycling record and the potential offered by energy from waste. The report concludes that opportunities to reduce waste by recovering and reusing valuable materials are being missed. ‘London’s recycling rate is rubbish – household recycling rates are below the national average and have barely increased over the past five years,’ it states.

Londoners want to recycle and authorities should make it easy for them, according to the report. ‘Recycling lacks consistency across the different boroughs and some flats have no home recycling facilities whatsoever,’ it also points out.

The city’s recycling service is not fit for purpose and ‘cities like Milan put London’s recycling rates to shame’, the report concludes.

The committee makes a series of recommendations to improve London’s waste management, suggesting mayor Khan should keep a close eye on borough recycling rates and, if targets are not met, he should step in when contracts are up for renewal; explore funding options to implement a consistent recycling service across London, including flats; and lobby the government to make it easier for local authorities to fine serial recycling offenders who fail to comply with recycling regulations.