Westminster gears up for marathon recycling job

Westminster City Council expects to collect almost two tonnes of extra plastic as marathon staff collect the bottles dropped by runners.

Once collected they can be given a new lease of life and used for everything from eco-friendly clothing to upholstery for car seats with around half of the plastic bottles recycled in Westminster going to the Closed Loop recycling facility in Dagenham where they will be made into new plastic bottles.

Leith Penny, Westminster City Council’s strategic director for city management, said: “The London Marathon is a special day in London and we are working behind the scenes to ensure the only thing the runners have to worry about is reaching the finishing line.

“But keeping our streets clean isn’t just important when there are special events – we make sure London’s centre is clean and tidy for residents, business and visitors every day.”

Sam Bond