Clean GB – the Olympic waste squad

A 200-strong 'clean team' may well be the unsung heroes of the London games as they work to keep the streets of the capital clear of rubbish throughout the Olympics, clearing 17,000 bags of rubbish over the first weekend of the games alone.


The Westminster City Council clean-up squad, organised by waste contractor Veolia, comes at a cost of £1.25m funded by Olympic organising committees and the Greater London Authority. It has already collected 85 tonnes of rubbish since the Torch passed through Westminster on Thursday last week including concerted efforts after the torch relay and the weekend’s cycle races.

The Westminster waste hit squad includes 212 extra staff, 20 extra sweeping vehicles and 18 extra bin lorries to clear up the waste generated by the Olympics, with “thousands of plastic water bottles and hundreds of flags” picked up over the weekend.

edie staff

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe