The Housing and Environment Scrutiny Panel met on Thursday 3 April 2025 to discuss waste and recycling initiatives and review the progress of previous panel recommendations. Key decisions included recommending the expansion of successful community initiatives like the Library of Things and Pupils Profit, and a commitment to increased publicity for waste reduction events.

Waste and Recycling Update

Catherina Pack, Head of Street Care and Waste Management, presented an update on the borough's waste and recycling efforts. The panel noted that Ealing's current recycling rate stands at 49.17% up to December 2024, positioning the borough second in London. While this is a strong performance, efforts are ongoing to return to the pre-pandemic rate of 50.35%. Food waste recycling collections are being extended to flats, with a trial for flats above shops underway.

The former waste and recycling site at Stirling Road is being transformed into 'ReActon', a circular economy hub for residents to repair, reuse, and recycle various items. The site is planned to open permanently later in the year. The Library of Things, established in Ealing Broadway in July 2024, has seen 643 items borrowed, resulting in the reuse of 4 tons of electrical items and a saving of 12 tons of carbon emissions.

The panel was informed of significant upcoming legislative changes, including Simpler Recycling, a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), and Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) for packaging. These changes will hold producers accountable for their packaging waste.

Panel members expressed concerns about the accessibility of the ReActon site for residents across the borough, although it was noted that the West London Waste Authority (WLWA) plans to establish a circular hub in each borough and residents can use facilities in neighbouring areas. Officers confirmed that more could be done to promote the reuseable party kits and reusable nappies schemes. The possibility of introducing a delivery service for the Library of Things was to be considered.

Further engagement with residents on food recycling is deemed essential to increase tonnage and improve overall recycling rates. Waste composition analysis revealed that textiles and food waste are frequently found in residual waste bins. An ultra-low waste neighbourhood initiative is ongoing to encourage a shift in thinking around waste and recycling.

The council is seeking additional funding to expand electrical recycling sites, as small electrical items should be recycled rather than disposed of in residual waste. Food waste collection in flats has reached 40% coverage, with plans to extend this to 54% and eventually to all properties by March 2026.

The panel was informed that the new recycling legislation originates from multiple government departments, leading to varied timelines and a lack of comprehensive guidance for all aspects. The WLWA is coordinating efforts to develop a consistent approach, and Ealing is drafting a position statement to identify any gaps in meeting these legislative changes. Targeted projects are underway to ensure waste reduction messages reach non-English speaking residents.

Feedback on the Library of Things has been positive, with residents able to request specific items. The Pupils Profit initiative, funded by the Carbon Offset Fund, involves seven schools where students run shops selling sustainable products, fostering entrepreneurial skills and participation in the low-carbon circular economy.

Simpler recycling legislation will affect businesses from March 2025 and households from March 2026, with micro-firms having a later compliance date. The council does not have an enforcement role in this area. Information on the Deposit Return Scheme is still pending.

Regarding cooking oil disposal, residents are advised to let it harden and place it in residual waste if it cannot be taken to a household reuse and recycling centre. In response to concerns about blocked pipes and access to recycling centres, officers agreed to explore additional collection points or separate cooking oil collections.

The Chair congratulated officers on Ealing's second-place ranking in London for recycling and thanked them for their report and the visit to the ReActon site.

The Panel resolved to recommend that:

• The Panel be provided with a position statement detailing the work, targets, and timelines for meeting new waste and recycling legislation requirements.
• Successful community initiatives, such as the Library of Things and Pupils Profit, should be expanded borough-wide and better integrated with schools, housing estates, and community centres.
• The Panel receive a six-month update on recycling trends, including the uptake of food waste collection services for flats above shops.
• There should be increased publicity and social media visibility for reuse, recycle, and waste reduction events, the rollout of food waste collection services, and textile recycling. The borough's second-place ranking in London should also be highlighted.
• Officers consider the feasibility of additional collection points or separate collections for cooking oil.

Panel Recommendations

The Panel noted the progress of recommendations made throughout the year. Members suggested future agenda items, including the progress of the housing repairs service, the full mobilisation of the IT system, addressing damp and mould reports, and housing stock management, including void turnaround times.

The Panel resolved to note the responses to the Panel recommendations.