Londoners need more help to recycle on the go

A report published by the London Assembly’s environment committee says that while the public appetite for recycling is growing, there’s a distinct lack of recycling bins outside of residential areas.

The report claims the provision of recycling bins for mixed plastics is particularly poor.

Darren Johnson, deputy chair of the London Assembly environment committee, said: “While Londoners’ facilities for recycling at home have improved greatly over recent years, it can be a real headache finding decent recycling facilities when you’re out and about – whether on the Tube, out shopping or at a football match.

“The Mayor must take a lead in changing this.

“The environmental cost of disposable plastic food and drink containers is higher than ever. The capital recycles or composts just 22% of its municipal waste, and cannot continue to cope with the amount of rubbish going to landfill.

“London is a very fast-paced city, and I think people would welcome being able to recycle ‘on the go’.”

The report says that if all of London’s plastic currently sent to landfill and incinerated was recycled, it would save around 1.2million tonnes of CO2 per year and over £44 million in costs.

Sam Bond