Recycling rates in Southwark are now the best in inner city London, according to figures released by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) this week.
Despite tough challenges in collecting recycling in urban areas, Southwark has managed to maintain a good result with 38,475 tonnes of household waste sent for recycling last year.
Councillor Darren Merrill, cabinet member for environment and public realm, said: “My thanks to our residents who have done an excellent job in recycling this year. While the results from Defra are encouraging, we still have a long way to go. Not only is recycling good for the environment, but the less waste the council sends to landlfill, the more we’re able to reinvest in the service for residents.”
Fabrice Bouchon, General Manager for Veolia Southwark said: "We're delighted to see Southwark resident's commitment to recycling recognised, and the hard work of our dedicated teams pay off. With 30% more waste produced around Christmas, our teams will continue to engage with all residents and communities to increase recycling and keep Southwark leading the way for recycling in inner London."