The rewards scheme, which launched in Brixton today (16 May), will initially target harder-to-reach households, such as those in flats or multi-occupancy dwellings on estates.

It is being implemented in partnership with Veolia, and is a key part of Lambeth Council’s plans to improve its recycling rate of 22%. The initial scheme will cover 51,000 households before being rolled out to all residents within the borough within 12 months.


The launch was attended by edie where Lambeth’s council leader Steve Reed said he was “absolutely delighted” to be involved in the “pioneering” scheme which heralded a more sustainable future for the borough.

Lambeth’s cabinet member for Environment & sustainability, Cllr Lorna Campbell, added: “This scheme is an important part of our plans to reduce waste costs, boost recycling and make Lambeth a cleaner and greener place to live.”

Recyclebank will be deploying a new version of its programme in the borough, in which residents can keep a record of their recycling points online, by phone or through a free iPhone app.

So far over 100 local reward partners have been recruited to take part in the initiative, along with national partners such as Coca-Cola and Marks & Spencer.

RecycleBank’s UK managing director, Sue Igoe, said: “As well as being the first London borough to offer a recycling rewards scheme to its residents, Lambeth will be the first to introduce our new community solution, which has been developed to tackle the challenging issues of recycling in flats head on.”

Maxine Perella

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