Members of North London Waste Authority (NLWA) last week approved a new Joint Waste Strategy, setting ambitious environmental goals to reduce waste and increase recycling, moving north London towards a low waste, sustainable future.
The strategy covers the period 2025-2040 and includes targets such as halving avoidable food waste and recyclable materials in residual waste, doubling the proportion of materials reused at reuse and recycling centres, and achieving a 50% household recycling rate. The strategy also commits to reducing the environmental impact of disposal and sending zero waste to landfill.
NLWA and the seven north London boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Waltham Forest prepared the strategy over a three-year period. This included two phases of resident engagement: an initial listening exercise that gathered the views of 2,100 residents, and a formal public consultation that engaged over 3,000 residents. Targeted outreach also closely matched north London’s demographics, based on the 2021 census, ensuring that all sections of the community were engaged in development of the strategy.
NLWA Chair, Councillor Clyde Loakes, MBE, said: “We’re delighted to have reached this crucial milestone, gaining endorsement from north London residents directly and through their elected representatives in the seven north London boroughs.
“A huge amount of work went into producing the North London Joint Waste Strategy, and we're excited to get on with the task of delivering it, building on all the great work we’ve already been doing – growing our education and behaviour change programmes; supporting communities to deliver change on the ground; making it easier to recycle, including tricky things like mattresses and carpets, and making our sites as accessible as possible.
“We’d like to extend our thanks to all the residents who took time to share feedback and ideas, helping ensure that this strategy serves the needs of residents today and for generations to come.”
Each of the seven north London boroughs will seek approval of the strategy through their internal governance processes, with Barnet having already secured theirs.
