Recycling bins introduced to Camden&#39s parks

In association with Camden council, not-for-profit company Rewind Recycling began its Green Space Waste Action programme, which aims to recycle rubbish from parks and other public spaces.

Kerry Page of Rewind Recycling and Camden's Cllr John Thane launch recycling facilities in Lincoln's Inn Fields, London

In a pilot scheme, the company has placed recycling bins for glass, paper and cans at Lincoln's Inn Fields, Red Lion Square and Whitfield Gardens. The aim is to reduce the amount of public's waste going to landfill from these sites by 65%.

The council said the bins are the first of their kind, but could become a familiar sight across the country.

The small bins aim to make on-street recycling more accessible for “walk-by” usage. Rewind Recycling said its new bin design was developed specifically to “close the gap between kerbside recycling and bring-schemes”.

Councillor John Thane, Camden's executive member for environment said: “Parks and open spaces enrich the lives of all those who live or visit the borough especially during the summer months. They also play a vital role in contributing to the varied and complex ecology of Camden, by recycling in parks visitors can help to protect that ecology.”

If the scheme in Camden is successful, the council hopes to install recycling facilities in parks across the borough. Rewind Recycling is hoping to expand its Green Space Waste Action programme for use in parks and other public spaces by other local authorities.

Kerry Page of Rewind Recycling said: “The collaboration with Camden council makes it possible for the first time to demonstrate the potential for recycling in urban green spaces. It will enable local people to get involved with an environmental project that impacts on the future of their surroundings.”

This project received funding from the Social, Economic and Environmental Development Programme, the Esmee Fairburn Foundation and Award for All. It has also received support form bin manufacturers Straight, recycling company London Recycling and Cada Design Group.