Have your say on how to reduce north London’s waste

• North London generates 600,000 tonnes of rubbish a year, which contributes to the climate emergency.

• Everyone has a role in reducing waste, including the government, businesses, councils, local waste authorities and residents. 

• North London Waste Authority and the boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Waltham Forest are developing a new Joint Waste Strategy that will set the path for managing and reducing waste for the next fifteen years. 

• All residents are encouraged to feed into the strategy at northlondonwaste.commonplace.is. 

Each year, north Londoners generate 600,000 tonnes of rubbish a year– that’s the same weight as around 50,000 double decker buses.  

This isn’t just bad for the planet, but it’s also bad for people’s pockets, as it means money-saving opportunities to reuse, repair or recycle are being missed. This is on top of the energy we use and vital resources we deplete making new items, which contributes to climate change.  

But the good news is there are a number of ways that this can be reduced - and that responsibility lies in the hands of everyone, from the government, to businesses, councils, waste authorities and individuals.  

So, what can you do? North London Waste Authority (NLWA), which serves 2 million people in Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Waltham Forest, is currently working with the boroughs to develop a new Joint Waste Strategy that will set the path for managing and reducing waste for the next fifteen years. 

You have a chance to influence this strategy, helping shape the way that waste in your borough is managed and how key environmental issues, such as carbon, are considered. 

It’s really quick and easy to take part, just visit northlondonwaste.commonplace.is, answer seven short questions and help guide their thinking. The survey will remain open until 15 September, after which the team will spend time considering feedback ahead of a consultation on the draft strategy in early 2024. 

Councillor Clyde Loakes, NLWA Chair, said: “I am really pleased to be a part of developing this strategy. It plays a hugely important role in helping north London to tackle the climate emergency and making it a cleaner and more sustainable place to live.  

“It’s crucial that all local voices are heard, as this will ultimately set the ambitions and standards for more sustainable behaviours and lay the foundations for the next generation to come. If you’re a resident living in north London, please do take part and have your say.”