Lambeth drastically reduces waste

It is just a year into Lambeth Council's new waste strategy system and good results are already being seen. Thanks to the new initiative, residents in the area are producing around 25 per cent less rubbish. They are also recycling around three times more food waste, which is making a huge difference to the amount of rubbish being sent to landfill.

Lambeth Council introduced a number of measures in October last year in a bid to increase recycling and cut down on landfill rubbish. These included a food recycling system and smaller bins for properties in a bid to get residents thinking about what they throw away.

Figures recorded between April and August this year have revealed that a quarter less waste was produced when compared to the same period in 2013. This could result in the amount of rubbish going to landfill falling by 7,700 tonnes every year if the trend were to continue, saving the council an amazing £724,000.

So far, separate food and green waste collection has risen from 900 to tonnes to 3,500 tonnes, reducing council costs by £265,000. However, the council is hoping to encourage the amount of food being discarded to be cut altogether thanks to its Do the Right thing Campaign. 

Councillor Jenny Brathwaite, Lambeth cabinet member for environment and sustainability, said: “It’s good news that our waste strategy is clearly working.

“These figures show that we can all reduce our waste, whether it’s recycling more or simply buying less of what we don’t need.

“While recycling the food waste is much better than throwing it in the bin, it would be great if we could stop wasting so much food in the first place.

“Reducing rubbish and food waste not only saves everybody a great deal of money but it is also good for the environment and helps us live in a more sustainable way.”

Single Lambeth residents throw away, on average, £2 worth of food that is suitable for consumption every year. This increases to £700 worth a year for the average-sized family in the area. 

In order to combat this waste, the council's Do the Right Thing Campaign is providing residents with help and advice on how they can reduce food wastage. Simple steps like meal planning, freezing food, using leftovers and shopping more sensibly can help people save money and reduce the amount of waste created in the area. 

Published 3rd December, 2014

© 2014 Estates IT Limited