Fewer plastic containers to end up in landfill
The capital could boost the amount of plastic it recycles if special bins were available in public areas to make recycling easier, the London Assembly has been told.
The Assembly’s Environment Committee - which is asking all Londoners for their opinions on the issue - were told by Coca Cola on Tuesday (November 18) that around half of its plastic bottles were not currently recycled in the UK.
The fizzy drinks maker said "on the go" recycling schemes were the best way of encouraging people to recycle the huge amounts of plastic food and drink containers that are thrown away by commuters, office workers and tourists every day.
“There is public appetite to recycle plastic, and we need continued involvement from retailers, manufacturers and local authorities to keep the momentum going," said Darren Johnson AM, Chair of the London Assembly Environment Committee.
“The vast amount of disposable plastic food and drink containers going to landfill needs immediate attention. Recycling in the home is getting better, so the obvious next step is to improve collection facilities for when people are out and about,” he said.
This Committee says it will make recommendations to the Mayor and relevant organisations about how “on the go” plastic recycling can be increased in places such as shopping centres, train stations, entertainment venues and on the street.
The Committee is also asking Londoners to tell them what they think:
1. What do you do with your spent plastic bottles and food cartons when you are out and about? Do you ever recycle them? If so, where do you do it?
2. What would help you to recycle plastics on the street, at events and on public transport? Do you think there should be more recycling bins when you are out and about in London?
Would it be helpful if plastic packaging was easier to recycle?
3. Do you recycle other waste, such as paper or drink cans, when you are on the go?
4. If you don't recycle on the go, please let us know why not.
Londoners can send in their views to: Katy Shaw, London Assembly Environment Committee, PP10 / 6th Floor, City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2AA, or email to: katy.shaw@london.gov.uk
The closing date for submissions is 7 January 2009.
19 November 2008
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