The cash from the London Waste and Recycling Board (LWARB) was announced today (June 22).

While flats and multi-occupancy buildings represent about half of all housing in London – the average recycling rate is merely 10%.

The average recycling rate for the country, was last year, around 37% – which in itself is one of the lower performers in western Europe.

The money will be available for local authorities in London, who are in charge of waste, to invest in existing recycling services for flats or to put new ones in place.

Merton borough councillor David Williams, who is also a LWARB board member, said: “Making it easy for flat dwellers in London to recycle is not just a good idea, it is essential.

“More Londoners live in flats than other parts of the country, which is why recycling rates in the capital are lower.

“Not only will our environment improve but council tax payers will also benefit from reduced landfill charges.”

LWARB are aiming to have all of the £5M committed by March 2011, with successful schemes being fully operational by March 2012.

Details of how to apply for funding will be outlined in an event for local authority officers at City Hall in early July this year, although the precise date in not yet set.

Luke Walsh

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