Southwark Council to Review Waste Management and Street Cleaning Services

Southwark Council is launching a comprehensive review of its waste management and street cleaning services, focusing on strategy and operational effectiveness. This review is prompted by the upcoming renewal of a major waste management contract, known as the 'aerial contract', which expires in 2033. Significant preparatory work is underway, including the development of a strategy for next year and anticipation of potential government changes in recycling policies.

Map of London showing projected temperature increases by 2050 under the SSP2 scenario, indicating a 2°C rise.
Map of London showing projected temperature increases by 2050 under the SSP2 scenario, indicating a 2°C rise.Source: Environment Scrutiny Commission papers, 14 October 2026

The Environment Scrutiny Commission met on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, to discuss a range of environmental issues, with a significant portion of the meeting dedicated to planning future reviews. Among the key topics identified for future scrutiny was a substantive review of waste, cleaner neighbourhoods, and the circular economy.

This review will delve into the effectiveness of Southwark's approach to street cleansing, waste management, fly-tipping, and environmental enforcement. It will also examine the strategy and operational effectiveness of these services, with particular attention to the upcoming renewal of the aerial contract. Key considerations for the contract's renewal include assessing evolving needs, identifying past successes and failures, and informing future decision-making.

Icons illustrating potential impacts of climate change and disruptions, including IT service disruption, concerned residents, increased reliance on emergency services, introduction of new diseases/viruses, damage to buildings and infrastructure, missed waste collections, and overcrowding.
Icons illustrating potential impacts of climate change and disruptions.Source: Environment Scrutiny Commission papers, 14 October 2026

The 'circular economy' aspect of the review suggests an examination of how waste can be reduced, reused, and recycled more effectively within the borough's services. This aligns with the broader goal of enhancing the sustainability of waste management practices.

Councillor Graham Neale and Councillor Richard Leeming both highlighted the importance of incorporating SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) measures into recommendations to ensure tangible change on the ground. The commission agreed to consider these suggestions as part of its future work programme.

For more details on the commission's discussions, refer to the Agenda frontsheet and the Public reports pack from the meeting on Wednesday, 14 October 2026.