Last year 17% of household waste was recycled in the borough. The figure for London as a whole was 33%.

However, experts suggest that the low number is unsurprising. Antony Buchan, from Resource London, believes that London is a unique case:

“You can’t compare London to the rest of the country because London is so different to the rest of the country.”

“There is a direct correlation between the number of flatted properties… and the recycling rate. There is also a direct correlation between home ownership and recycling rates…and indices of multiple deprivation and recycling rates.”

Buchan states that it is more difficult to recycle if you live in a flat because there is much less space and you have to take your rubbish downstairs rather than having a bin outside your front door.

Resource London have set up the “one bin is rubbish” initiative to try and combat the problem. The campaign encourages Londoners to have a separate  bin in their properties solely for recycling.

Another factor that particularly works against Westminster is that the household waste measurement includes street litter. Therefore, due to the high number of tourists that visit the borough and the regular events, there is a disproportionate amount of waste disposed of in the area.

The national target is for household waste to get to 50% by 2020 and London is aiming to reach this target by 2025. Buchan stated that it was “highly unlikely” that this target would be reached.

Tune in at 15:30 for the full report.

 

London news