Have your say on Lambeth’s proposals for fortnightly non-recyclable waste collections

Overview 

The council is consulting on reducing the frequency of non-recyclable waste collections from every week to every two weeks at street-level properties 
(generally houses, or houses that have been converted into flats across the borough, and place their wheeled bin out for collection. Households that use sacks or communal bulk bins for their non-recyclable waste are not affected by these proposals. 

Background

By being the first London council to declare a climate emergency in 2019, Lambeth placed itself at the forefront of the capital’s efforts to reduce its detrimental impact on the environment. The Council’s waste and recycling activities are a key element of this, representing an area in which all of Lambeth’s citizens, businesses and visitors have a part to play. Our Lambeth 2030 Vision is for a zero-waste borough with reducing, reusing and recycling prioritised.  

The Council is proud of its residents in their recycling efforts to date which saw Lambeth achieving over 36% recycling rate that is the highest for an inner London borough. However, there is more to do, and these proposals will enhance recycling opportunities. 

Nearly 50% of London Boroughs have now adopted fortnightly residual waste collections and have found that their recycling performance has improved. Reducing collection frequency could also enable a reduction in the number of vehicles required to carry out the Council’s waste collection services, resulting in cleaner air, reduced emissions, and less congestion on our streets.

What is being proposed?

It is proposed that non-recyclable waste collections from some households will take place every two weeks.  This will support Lambeth’s recycling efforts and reduce the amount of waste sent to energy from waste.  

Recycling and food waste collection regimes remain unchanged and will be collected on a weekly basis, to support residents to recycle more. The subscribed garden waste service also remains unchanged. 

Further information can be found in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's).

Next steps

We appreciate you giving us your views. The outcome of the consultation and the council’s response and recommendations will be considered by the Cabinet at its September 2023 meeting.