The Environment, Climate and Transport Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the annual update from the North London Waste Authority and to review draft recommendations for household recycling and waste reduction. Key discussions included the North London Joint Waste Strategy, efforts to promote a circular economy, and the challenges and opportunities presented by new government waste reforms.

Annual Update from the North London Waste Authority

The committee received an update on the activities of the North London Waste Authority (NLWA), which serves over two million residents across seven boroughs, managing approximately one million tonnes of waste annually. The NLWA's goals extend beyond statutory duties to preserving resources and the environment for future generations, guided by the North London Joint Waste Strategy. This strategy, approved for the next 15 years, aims to promote waste prevention, sustainable resource management, minimise environmental impacts, engage communities, and provide resident-focused services.

Islington generated around 87,000 tonnes of household waste in the last complete year, with a slight reduction expected this year, alongside a rise in organic waste due to food waste collections. The Hornsey Street Reuse and Recycling Centre in Islington has been made more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists, despite its historical design challenges. A significant fire on Christmas Eve at the centre, caused by a battery hidden in waste, highlighted the dangers of unregulated batteries and the operational resilience required to maintain services.

The NLWA has been actively promoting the circular economy, partly funded by £13 million in additional government funding resulting from Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, which require manufacturers to pay for waste disposal costs. This funding supports initiatives focused on reduction, reuse, and recycling, including community-based outreach programmes and a community composting scheme in Islington. Circular economy activities also involve promoting reusable items such as bags and water bottles, and continuing to offer nappy vouchers. Nappies are identified as a particularly carbon-intensive waste stream, and the NLWA is exploring actions to address this.

The NLWA aims to influence behaviour further up the supply chain, engaging with government and manufacturers to promote better practices. They are also campaigning for measures to regulate batteries and highlight the impact of disposable products like vapes. The authority is working with the government on waste reforms, including compulsory food waste collections, and advocates for robust infrastructure to support these changes.

Significant progress has been made at the Edmonton Eco Park, with Eco Park House receiving awards for its educational and community use. The Reuse and Recycling Centre has seen 50,000 visitors and offers flexible disposal for 25 different waste types. The Energy from Waste plant, a more contentious part of the development, is nearing completion.

Discussions also touched upon the challenges of recycling different materials, with plastic being recyclable multiple times but degrading with each cycle. The NLWA ensures all plastic is reprocessed in the UK. More challenging streams like paper and cardboard are recycled where there is a good market, often in Europe.

The NLWA is exploring nappy recycling options, working with international operations, though the effectiveness and scalability of these are still being assessed. A trial for nappy recycling is planned for 8,000 properties in the north of the borough, alongside continued promotion of nappy vouchers.

Regarding reusable period products, the focus is on engaging younger individuals, and vouchers for period products are available. The potential for partnership with Thames Water to address flushing of menstrual products was raised. The increasing use of disposable incontinence products was also noted as a growing waste stream, with potential for reusable alternatives being explored.

The impact of EPR on waste streams is still emerging, with initial payments made recently. The NLWA supports the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), though disappointment was expressed that glass is not included. Analysis suggests potential reductions in glass and plastic waste entering the residual stream. Challenges remain regarding the practicalities of the DRS for residents and how local authorities will receive their share of deposits.

The committee also discussed food waste, with Islington collecting approximately 3,000 tonnes annually. While composting and other measures reduce waste streams, they contribute to a better environmental outcome. The complexities of food waste processing, including bio-digesting to produce gas for power and a residue for fertiliser, were discussed, with challenges around scalability, flammability, and odour control.

The Hornsey Street Reuse and Recycling Centre is a leased facility, and while there are no immediate plans for major revamps, the council is reflecting on its use and risks, particularly fire safety, following a recent incident.

Scrutiny Review 2025/26 Draft Recommendations: Household Recycling and Waste Reduction

The committee reviewed draft recommendations stemming from their scrutiny of household recycling and waste reduction. A key theme was the desire to reduce overall waste rather than simply increase recycling rates, avoiding perverse incentives.

Food Waste Collections for Flats Above Shops: A resident raised concerns about the practicalities of food waste collection in flats above shops, citing limited space and the need for convenient disposal points. The council is rolling out a food waste collection service for all residents in flats above shops and businesses by the end of March, in line with statutory requirements. Communal bins are being provided within 30 metres of residences, with plans for regular servicing and cleaning. While aesthetic concerns about the bins were raised, the council is exploring general planting initiatives.

Recycling Communications and Behaviour Change: The Do Your Bit, Recycle It campaign, running for nine months, aims to improve clarity on what can be recycled, build confidence in the service, and motivate residents. The campaign uses multiple channels and is informed by behavioural science and resident feedback. Targeted engagement in areas with lower recycling rates has shown measurable increases in participation and food waste tonnage.

A resident survey indicated that while most residents find recycling easy, it is more challenging in estates due to issues with communal bins, lack of information, and accessibility. The need for improved infrastructure, signage, and consistent communication was highlighted. The Recycling Resident Summit echoed these findings, with a strong interest in clear communication, visible recycling processes, and improved bin management.

The use of TikTok as a communications channel is being explored, subject to government restrictions. The impact of printed materials is measured through QR code scans and web traffic, with a full evaluation planned. Schools engagement is assessed through waste audits, though measuring the impact on household behaviour remains a challenge. Door-to-door engagement, while effective, is resource-dependent.

The council is improving the supply of clear recycling sacks and considering wider distribution points. Cafés and restaurants are now required to separate food waste under national legislation. Communications will clearly state that black bags must not be used for recycling to reduce contamination.

Circular Economy Spaces: A resident expressed delight at recommendations supporting the circular economy, highlighting the need for physical spaces for repair activities, such as those undertaken by Islington Fixers.

Deposit Return Scheme (DRS): The committee discussed the DRS, noting that the government's decision not to include glass was a missed opportunity. Concerns were raised about the deposit threshold being too low to act as a significant incentive and the practicalities of returning items for a small refund. The government will set the threshold for the DRS, and there is a risk that cost of living pressures might influence decisions against higher deposits.

Nappy and Period Product Waste: The carbon intensity of nappies was discussed, with ongoing exploration of nappy recycling and promotion of reusable alternatives. The increasing use of disposable incontinence products was also noted as an area for future consideration.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): The financial impact of EPR is emerging, with manufacturers contributing to local authority disposal costs. The long-term impact on waste streams is anticipated to encourage producers to minimise packaging.

North London Heat and Power Project: Concerns were raised about delays and a perceived lack of transparency regarding the North London Heat and Power Project, with a request for more open reporting on progress and audit recommendations. The NLWA acknowledged the challenges of contractor delays and commercial confidentiality but agreed to consider providing more detailed information on audit recommendations without disclosing specific contractual disputes.

Committee Work Plan 2025-26

The committee noted its work plan for the upcoming year, which includes ongoing scrutiny of household recycling and waste reduction, updates on net zero carbon and climate action, and a review of active travel. A special Climate Emergency Public Meeting is scheduled for March.