Merton has been shortlisted for an accolade at this year’s prestigious National Recycling Awards, which celebrate excellence across the waste sector.
The council was chosen as a finalist in the category of ‘Local Authority Team of the Year’ for the borough-wide rollout of its popular food waste scheme for flats.
Merton’s scheme for flats was launched in April 2012 in a bid to encourage residents to recycle more and reduce the amount of food which goes to landfill – around 25% of waste from an average flat is food waste [1].
The initiative was first introduced to houses in 2010 and then gradually rolled out to all homes in Merton. Residents were provided with free food waste caddies, compostable liners, and information on recycling. Wheeled bins were provided in communal areas for flats.
Merton Council’s cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration, Councillor Andrew Judge, said: ‘I am delighted that Merton has been shortlisted for a National Recycling Award. The food recycling scheme is hugely popular in Merton, and it continues to help residents recycle more and throw away less food. I would like to thank residents and our waste and recycling team for working together to make this scheme a success.’
Winners will be announced on 3 July. To find out more about waste and recycling in Merton, visit http://www.merton.gov.uk/foodwaste.
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Notes to editors:
1. About the London Borough of Merton
An outer London borough to the south west of the capital with a population of 200,000 residents living in 80,000 households and served by 7,500 businesses. Formed in 1965, the borough’s five main town centres are Wimbledon (taking in the Village, the Broadway and South Wimbledon), Mitcham, Morden, Raynes Park and Colliers Wood.
Merton is home to the world famous All England Lawn Tennis Club, where the Wimbledon Championships take place every year bringing an extra 500,000 people into the borough for the tennis extravaganza.
In the 13th century, the Statutes of Merton, the basis of common law in England and seen by many as the forerunner for modern parliament, were signed here. In the 19th century Merton was a place of industry where famous names such as Arthur Liberty and William Morris based their businesses on the River Wandle. The Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson also lived in Merton.
2. About the National Recycling Awards
The National Recycling Awards recognise excellence in all parts of the waste and resource management industry, with awards ranging from ‘waste minimisation’ to ‘best recycled product’ and all points between.
Winners demonstrate effective strategy, tangible improvement, innovative and creative solutions, and a strong business case. They, and those who are shortlisted, are the very best in our industry.
The awards are open to all involved in recycling, reuse and waste management, from waste producers, waste management companies, manufacturers, local authorities and energy producers.
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[1] Between 23 – 26% of waste from an average flat is food waste. Source: Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP), 2010