VIDEO: DJ Neil Fox launches recycling incentive scheme on London estate

Fox, who is an ambassador for London Green Points, joined pupils from St John Fisher Catholic Primary School, local dignitaries and residents in Thamesmead to publicise the scheme, which, in its first phase, targets some of the most deprived households in the London Borough of Bexley.

Funded by the London Waste & Recycling Board’s Flats Recycling Programme and Recycle for London, and working in partnership with Gallions Housing Association, the initial phase will reach just over 2,000 flats in East Thamesmead with the potential to expand to 15,000 flats across the borough by 2012.

Households living in flats are traditionally one of the most hard-to-reach groups in terms of recycling schemes. So far, over 10% of flats in East Thamesmead have signed up since receiving their welcome packs.

London Green Points works by incentivising residents to reduce the amount of rubbish they send for disposal. The green points that households earn are based on the total recycling and total waste saved in the local area, rather than by the individual household. All of the households with activated accounts benefit regardless of their individual waste performance.

Households that participate earn green points, which can be redeemed for a range of eco products and days out or donated to selected local charity projects. Participants can also benefit from a wide range of discounts and offers provided by the scheme’s retail partners, including money off meals at cafes and restaurants and hair cuts at local barbers.

Neil Fox, speaking exclusively to edieWaste at the launch, said: “Flats are always a problem with recycling, there are 2,000 here on this estate. If you live on such an estate, you must feel like a tiny ant sometimes. I think it’s lovely that you as a tiny ant, if you all get together, you can have tremendous force and power. We are hoping the community will get involved because there’s a real benefit here for them.”

Mayor of the London Borough of Bexley, Cllr Ray Sams, who was also at the launch, added: “Recycling has always been more challenging for people living in flats. We know it requires a bit more effort and this scheme will reward those residents.

“London Green Points is a scheme that should help bring about behaviour change here in Thamesmead to reduce waste and increase recycling. It is a scheme that is truly community-driven, supporting local people, local businesses and local charities.”

Nick Warburton