10Jan

Islington proposes compulsory recycling

Posted on 10th January, 2011

Islington Council is considering bringing in a policy that will make recycling compulsory in the borough. Under the proposed scheme, households that fail to recycle could be fined up to £110 through a fixed penalty notice.

The council is considering this move not only for the good of the environment, but also because more recycling will significantly reduce its waste disposal costs.

Increased taxes and charges mean that the cost of sending waste to landfill will increase substantially over the next few years – according to one estimate, Islington will have to pay an extra £500,000 each year by 2020 if its recycling rate stays the same.

Cllr Paul Smith, Islington Council’s executive member for environment, says, “We’re on the side of residents, and as we face huge government funding cuts we need all our funding for our most vital services. We don’t have the luxury of throwing money away on expensive landfill charges when recycling saves money and is better for the planet. Every penny wasted is a penny that can’t be spent on something more important.”

If the scheme is agreed it could be enforced early in 2011.