Gateway Road Reuse and Recycling Centre is now closed.
East Londoners are being urged to join the reusable revolution, as 80% say they want to reduce the amount of single-use plastics they use to help protect the environment.
Following a successful trial in Barnet, North London Waste Authority (NLWA) joined forces with Camden, Hackney, Haringey, Enfield, Islington and Waltham Forest councils to roll out the ‘Bring It’ campaign.
With north London households throwing out 46 million pieces of plastic each week – enough to fill 717 football pitches – they are being encouraged to opt for reusable alternatives they can fill with food or drink time and time again.
It comes as 95% of residents say they already use reusable bags, and 90% say they already use reusable water bottles. Switching to reusable coffee cups and food containers as well could drastically reduce the amount of plastic going to waste and polluting the planet.
Research carried out by NLWA also shows:
- 78% of Waltham Forest residents are concerned about the environmental impact of plastic packaging
- 82% of Waltham Forest residents want to reduce the amount of single-use plastics they use to help protect the environment
- 83% of Waltham Forest residents believe reducing single-use plastic use helps play a part in protecting the planet for future generations
- 84% of Waltham Forest residents use reusable water bottles
- 94% of Waltham Forest residents use reusable bags
Councillor Clyde Loakes MBE, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate and Air Quality and Chair of NLWA, said: “The rise in popularity and convenience of single-use plastics is having a devastating impact on the environment, polluting our waters, threatening our biodiversity and even invading our food chain. Just 12% of the plastic packaging we throw away gets recycled, which is why using reusable alternatives is the best choice for our planet.
“We can all make a difference and play our part in tackling the climate emergency by remembering to bring with us our reusable water bottles, coffee cups, tote bags and food containers, when we head out to work, the shops or to meet friends for a coffee or a bite to eat. Shops, cafes, restaurants and takeaways are increasingly happy to fill up your reusables, with many now even offering discounts to customers who ditch single-use plastic.
“Joining the reusable revolution is an easy way for residents to do their bit in the transition to a circular economy. They can also make use of NLWA’s extensive reuse and recycling services which include a second-hand shop, paint reuse scheme, free DIY materials, mattress recycling, subsidies on reusable nappies and period products – to mention just a few!”
One in four Barnet locals said they remembered seeing the ‘Bring It, Barnet’ campaign and, promisingly, they reported a 16% increase of using a reusable coffee cup, a 9% rise in reusable bag usage and an 8% improvement in the use of reusable water bottles.
To find out more, visit: bringitnorthlondon.co.uk
