Local waste action features in London Sustainability Week

London recycles only 9.2% of its waste, just a little over half the recycling rate of the rest of the South East region of England.

Commenting on the figures, chair of the London Assembly environment committee Samantha Heath said: “Our Committee has long pressed the government and the Mayor to set more ambitious targets for recycling. The government must now ensure that London receives its fair share of the funding available through the revised Landfill Tax Credit Scheme in order to continue the excellent work of the London Recycling Fund.”

But referring to the vital work being carried out by local and community recycling organisations, Ms Heath said: “A number of organisations are working strategically in the capital and they have encouraged more and more Londoners to put their rubbish to good use. The amount of rubbish produced in the UK is a major concern. However, good progress is being made in London to reduce waste through recycling initiatives.”

From June 1, 2003 – including World Environment Day on June 5 – over 75 events are planned in the capital to promote local action towards sustainable development. London Sustainability Week includes events on home composting, the use of re-usable nappies and sustainable business.

Ben Metz, Director London Community Recycling Network explained: “The various local recycling, re-use and composting awareness events running for London Sustainability Week reflects the range of innovative and established projects run by Community Recyclers. We believe that raising awareness of activities in this way will positively influence Londoners' perception of recycling and help to increase participation and involvement in their local schemes.”

Transport
Green transport will be another area covered by the week's events. Cory Environmental, one of the largest waste companies operating in the capital welcomed the start of London Sustainability Week and called for more use to be made of the River Thames in taking vehicles off London's roads.

Cory saves upwards of 100,000 lorry journeys a year by taking over 600,000 tonnes of waste material (20% of London's waste) by barge on the River Thames for treatment. The company believes this mode of transport is the only truly sustainable way of transporting goods through London, although it says investment is needed in the city's wharves so the river can continue to be used into the next century.

David Riddle, chief executive at Cory, said: “Taking 100,000 vehicles off London's roads is already a considerable benefit to London. To continue this service there has to be recognition that facilities to handle and process waste on the banks of the Thames need to be maintained, and planning for new ones approved. With these facilities, a real difference can be made to London's environment for future generations.”

For full information about London Sustainability Week and details of all the events, visit the London 21 Sustainability Network.