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Agenda item

Recycling in Islington

Minutes:

Matthew Homer, Jean Hughes, Pawel Ryczan and Krisztina Vamos Presented this item. The recycling performance was reviewed, focusing on team efforts, policy development, and plans for reducing waste. Recycling rates stood at 30.4% last year, consistent over time. Residual waste per household had decreased, showing positive trends. Dry recycling remained strong compared to other North London boroughs, while composting rates were lower due to limited garden waste collection. Efforts were directed at improving dry recycling and addressing contamination issues, with contamination rates rising across all boroughs but remaining lowest in Islington. Measures included enhanced recycling enclosures, signage, crew training, and landlord engagement.

 

Innovative technologies, such as cameras in recycling vehicles using AI to identify contamination sources, were trialled to target problem areas. Food waste collection expanded to purpose-built blocks and flats above shops. Trials on Holloway Road proved promising and plans to extend the scheme borough-wide awaited government funding. Campaigns like “Do Amazing Things with Your Food Waste” promoted food waste recycling through social media, events, door-knocking campaigns, and direct distribution of recycling materials. Newly acquired electric vehicles enhanced service efficiency with onboard weighing and bin-rinsing capabilities.

 

Estate recycling improvements received a £2 million investment over three years. Case studies showcased new bin enclosures designed to balance recycling and refuse capacity, improve fire safety, and support sustainability with features like green roofs and bug hotels. Resident feedback indicated that these changes made recycling easier and estates more presentable and safer. Trials on flats above shops introduced grid-style bins and designated collection points, supported by extensive community engagement. Results showed compliance rates above 70% and doubled recycling outputs. Sustaining these improvements required ongoing communication and delivery of recycling materials.

 

In partnership with ReLondon, lessons from trials aimed to enhance performance on flats above shops and apply successful interventions to other areas. Overall, these efforts reflected a commitment to increasing recycling rates, reducing contamination, and advancing sustainable practices across the borough.

 

Concerns were raised about the need for better data separation in reporting recycling rates. Suggestions included introducing key performance indicators (KPIs) for dry and organic recycling to improve tracking and analysis. It was highlighted that while dry recycling appeared to be improving, challenges with contamination persisted. Additionally, the effectiveness of the North London Waste Authority (NLWA) in supporting local recycling initiatives was questioned. However, the NLWA was acknowledged for its engagement efforts and resources allocated to community outreach and waste minimisation.

 

The estate reuse trial and chute closure initiatives were detailed as early-stage efforts aimed at improving recycling rates and reducing waste. The reuse trial involved setting up designated areas for reusable items on estates, while the chute closure trial focused on phasing out refuse chutes to encourage more responsible waste disposal. Concerns were expressed regarding potential issues with chute closures, such as increased rodent activity, fire hazards, and general resistance from residents. The importance of thorough engagement with tenants and residents’ associations, as well as careful monitoring, was needed.

 

Suggestions of broader engagement efforts, including the use of community centres and faith-based organisations to promote recycling initiatives were discussed. Enhancing resident engagement was recognised as a key barrier. Officers currently engage with residents through door-knocking campaigns, community events, and newsletters but acknowledged the need for further outreach and communication improvements.

 

Accessible bins were praised for their inclusivity and usefulness, benefiting children, disabled individuals, and older residents. Plans were discussed to integrate these bins more widely, especially in new developments, as part of accessibility and planning guidelines.

 

A recent trial for food waste collection along Holloway Road was considered successful but highlighted the need for adaptable models to accommodate different areas. This trial aligns with upcoming legal requirements to roll out food waste collections for all households by April 2026. Funding for these efforts was noted as a critical factor, with capital already allocated and additional government support anticipated.

 

On contamination issues the council received detailed data from waste facilities, identifying problematic materials such as black sacks, textiles, and food waste. While rain was noted as a factor affecting paper and cardboard, it was not deemed a primary cause of contamination. The was a need for better data scrutiny and targeted interventions to reduce contamination.

 

The discussion also touched on innovative uses of AI in waste management, such as processing visual data from waste streams to improve sorting and targeting efforts. While AI was seen as promising, its current application was limited to specific tasks, with broader use seen as a longer-term goal.

 

Supporting documents: