COMPULSORY RECYCLING PILOT

‘Get Sorted!’ Compulsory Recycling Pilot

1. Compulsory Recycling Pilot
A compulsory recycling pilot scheme is running in the South Chingford and Woodford Green areas. The area was chosen as it is fairly good representation of the borough as a whole. The scheme covers approximately 10,000 households. All residents in the compulsory area received a booklet/letter in late August advising them of the scheme. An awareness raising event was held on the Chingford Hall on 26th August. A door-stepping team is covering the area to raise awareness and give information on recycling.

The compulsory items are, paper, glass and cans. Prior to commencement of the scheme, over 500 recycling boxes were requested through WFD. Residents using bring sites or main recycling centres are asked to write in to the Recycling Section for exemption.


2. Monitoring
Three monitoring officers have been monitoring the participation of the compulsory pilot area. After three weeks, 76.46% of residents were participating in the recycling scheme. Reminder cards were sent out in December 2006 to residents not recycling. A first reminder letter was sent out to residents in January 2007. The participation rate increased to 93.78% after the reminder card was sent. Participation increased to 97.22% after the first reminder letter was sent.

Many residents, after receiving the first reminder letter, reported that they did not use the kerbside collection service as they were using other facilities such as ‘bring sites’ or main recycling centres.

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3. Effect on Refuse Collections
On average there has been a decrease of 21.15% of the collection of domestic refuse in the compulsory recycling area. This equates to approximately 20 tonnes per week.

4. Consultation
A consultation on compulsory recycling has been carried out in February 2007. Two hundred residents were consulted by completing a questionnaire.

99.00% of residents consulted stated that they recycled because it is good for the environment. Only 1% stated that they recycle because they do not want to be fined.

97.00% of residents believe compulsory recycling is a good idea.