Hackney Markets Achieve Significant Reduction in Single-Use Plastics

Hackney's commitment to plastic-free markets has led to an estimated 1.2 million fewer single-use plastic items being used annually. This significant environmental achievement is a direct result of the Hackney Markets Strategy, which has made plastic-free trading a licensing condition across all ten of the borough's markets.

A woman smiles while holding an orange and a reusable shopping bag filled with produce, with the word "BRING IT" visible in large yellow text.
A woman smiles while holding an orange and a reusable shopping bag filled with produce.Source: Skills, Place and Economy Scrutiny Commission papers, 14 October 2026

Councillor Rachel Kiesu-Gifu, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economies, Skills, High Streets and Markets, emphasized the vital role markets play as community hubs and economic drivers. Dan O'Sullivan, Head of Service for Markets, Shopfronts and Street Trading, provided an update on the strategy's implementation, specifically highlighting the success of the plastic-free initiative.

Hackney has been recognized as the first borough to implement plastic-free markets as a licensing condition, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. The council's dedication to reducing single-use plastics has seen high compliance rates among traders. The biggest challenge was initially Broadway Market, but now there is 100% compliance, with no single-use cutlery or containers being used. Ongoing efforts are focused on addressing specific challenges faced by meat, fish, and poultry businesses to ensure complete adherence to the plastic-free policy.

Challenges and Solutions for Meat, Fish, and Poultry Businesses

Meat, fish, and poultry businesses have faced unique challenges in transitioning to plastic-free alternatives. Under current legislation, they are permitted to continue using single-use plastic bags due to the nature of their products. To address this, the council is exploring technological advancements and potential partnerships to find alternative sources for these businesses. This initiative is also linked to a wider bulk purchasing strategy, where the council could advocate for and procure alternatives in bulk, supplying them to businesses at cost to help them move away from traditional single-use plastic bags.

Support for Traders and Measuring Success

To aid traders in their transition, Hackney Council is providing support mechanisms, including advice on affordable alternatives and bulk buying options to prevent cost shocks. The council is also trialling composting for market food waste through Project Rocket and utilising electric fleet vehicles and solar-powered generators at events.

The success of the plastic-free initiative is being monitored through various means. Plastic-free trading is now a written condition in the terms and conditions for all ten markets. The recycling rate for markets has increased from 78% to 89%. The next steps involve publishing compliance monitoring data and extending the initiative to cover containers and cutlery.

Two Hackney Council waste management workers stand with bags of recycling.
Hackney Council waste management workers.Source: Skills, Place and Economy Scrutiny Commission papers, 14 October 2026

Further information on waste and recycling services can be found in the Public reports pack Wednesday 14-Oct-2026 19.00 Skills Place and Economy Scrutiny Commission.

An informational poster from the North London Waste Authority illustrating common incorrect items found in recycling bins, with two staff members standing beside the collection of misplaced items.
North London Waste Authority recycling information.Source: Skills, Place and Economy Scrutiny Commission papers, 14 October 2026

A graphic illustrating that 69% of recyclables were found in black bins before a change in strategy.
Recyclables in black bins before strategy change.Source: Skills, Place and Economy Scrutiny Commission papers, 14 October 2026

CCTV footage shows two men illegally dumping rubbish from a van in the middle of a road, as highlighted by Hackney Council's social media post about fly-tipping enforcement.
Illegal dumping caught on CCTV.Source: Skills, Place and Economy Scrutiny Commission papers, 14 October 2026

Hackney Council street cleaning team members dealing with fly-tipped waste.
Hackney Council street cleaning team.Source: Skills, Place and Economy Scrutiny Commission papers, 14 October 2026

A pile of illegally dumped waste, including furniture, bags of rubbish, and household items, on a pavement next to a street.
Illegally dumped waste on a street.Source: Skills, Place and Economy Scrutiny Commission papers, 14 October 2026

Overflowing bins and refuse bags piled on a street, illustrating waste management challenges.
Overflowing bins and refuse bags.Source: Skills, Place and Economy Scrutiny Commission papers, 14 October 2026

A person in a high-visibility vest sorts through a large pile of discarded items on a sidewalk, with a "Places Management" van in the background and cyclists and a car passing on the street.
Waste management in Hackney.Source: Skills, Place and Economy Scrutiny Commission papers, 14 October 2026

An image analysis system identifies objects and people in a scene, likely related to waste management or illegal dumping.
Image analysis system for waste management.Source: Skills, Place and Economy Scrutiny Commission papers, 14 October 2026