And, the London borough of Brent is to open a consultation tomorrow (October 3, 2007) to ask residents how they would like to see a similar scheme introduced.
The news follows the success of compulsory recycling schemes in neighbouring boroughs, which began with the London borough of Barnet's roll-out in early 2004 (see letsrecycle.com story).
Hammersmith and Fulham
In Hammersmith and Fulham, residents in street properties in the north of the district are being compelled to use their Smart Sack recycling service. This means that they will be expected to place any glass bottles and jars, tins, cans, empty aerosols, drinks cartons, paper and magazines in their sacks for collection.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the council can legally require residents to use particular containers of sacks for different waste materials. In this scheme, the council does not allow residents to put certain recyclable materials in their black sacks or bins for disposal.
Householders who persistently fail to recycle will be served with a formal legal notice and a £100 fixed penalty fine. Those who live in flats will be exempt.
It is hoped the scheme will help the London borough reach its target of recycling 30% of its rubbish by 2010 – up from its present rate of 25%. If successful, the scheme will be rolled out to the rest of the borough.
Councillor Nicholas Botterill, cabinet member for environment and deputy leader, said: “Our aim is to make the transition to a compulsory scheme as easy as possible for residents. Many residents already recycle their rubbish and the aim of this trial is to encourage others who don't do their bit.”
Brent
In Brent, the three week consultation will ask residents how they would like to see measures designed to boost recycling – including compulsory recycling- introduced in the borough.
The council claims that the other 150 councils with a compulsory scheme have not had to take legal action against local people for failing to recycle and said that it aims to take the same approach.
It claims that the kind of scheme being considered would put the emphasis on educating and encouraging residents to recycle, with support offered to those who did not take part.
Brent hopes this will help it reach its goal to slash the amount of waste it sends to landfill by 10% next year – saving £615,000 in public money.
Councillor Irwin Van Colle, Brent council's lead member for environment, said: “Local people are recycling more than ever, and deserve to be praised in doing so. Unfortunately, there are some people who cannot be bothered.
“We have to encourage them to participate in recycling, which will help to tackle global warming and protect the environment. One method of encouragement is compulsion, which has turned out to be popular in nearby boroughs, and we will consult our residents about that,” he added.
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