Tower Hamlets receives award for buying recycled

The borough achieved a recycling rate of just 7% in the last published results, but last night Tower Hamlets was named best performing public sector in the Mayor's Green Procurement Code awards.

” We will be developing the code next year in line with a range of strategies. “
– Ken Livingstone
The award came because in 2005/06 Tower Hamlets spent 62 times more on recycled products than in previous years. This included the purchase of pens made from 100% recycled plastic and pencils made from 100% recycled paper.

The authority also spent 21.655 on recycled materials for flyers that were distributed across the borough.

Other award winners announced last night were:

• Best performing private sector organisation – Workspace Group
• Best performing SME – Business Eco
• Best performing newcomer – Environmental Business Products
• Extra mile award for innovation in creating a sustainable workplace – the Dominion Theatre

A highly commended award also went to the Metropolitan Police Service in the extra mile category.

Diversion

The Green Procurement Code was launched by Mayor Ken Livingstone in 2001 to encourage companies and organisations based in London to seek recycled products when purchasing new equipment.

Members that have signed up to the Mayor's Green Procurement code spent 157 million on recycled materials this year, according to the Mayor's office this saw 394,453 tonnes of waste diverted from landfill.

Purchases include 19,150 square metres of recycled carpet, 15,582 items of recycled furniture and 35,550 recycled printer cartridges.

Organisers of the code also reported that more companies were now offering the possibility of buying recycled products. 244 suppliers provided Green Code signatories with products this year, compared to 125 in last year's report.

Speaking at the event, Mr Livingstone said: “I am happy to say that we have all the London boroughs signed up to the code and a huge range of public and private sector companies involved.

“When the code was launched it was unique in Europe, but it now needs to grow in size and stature. We will be developing the code next year in line with a range of strategies,” he added.