Councillors raised concerns about the environmental impact of incineration and the council's contract with its incineration provider, which is due to expire on 1 January 2029.
Councillor Kate Anderson voiced concerns about the overlap between the waste strategy and climate goals, particularly regarding incineration's significant carbon emissions. Councillor Kate Anderson also questioned the air pollution aspects, both on the local community around the incineration site and on the natural environment.
Wendy Nicholas presented a report highlighting the council's efforts to improve waste and recycling performance, maintain clean streets, and transition towards a circular economy. An officer confirmed that while incineration is part of the waste hierarchy, the council is exploring options and aiming to reduce the amount of waste sent for incineration, prioritising recycling and reuse. The council's 10-year waste management strategy, launched in 2021, is due for review next year. The key message is waste reduction and working within the waste hierarchy (reduce, reuse, recycle, repair). There are no changes to the strategy itself, but a review is planned for next year to see what amendments need to be made.
An officer acknowledged that incineration is part of the waste hierarchy but stated that the council is exploring options for the 'cell chip' contract renewal. These options include looking at alternatives to see if there are sites available that could be used as a transfer site where bulk could be tipped and then transported further afield to more modern facilities. The lack of a waste transfer site currently restricts the council's options, limiting it to facilities within proximity.
Councillor Corin Ashwell commended the report and highlighted the council's innovative approaches to fly-tipping and waste remediation. However, Councillor Ashwell stressed the ongoing challenge of increasing the overall recycling rate due to diverse demographics across Lewisham and the importance of supporting resident engagement in food recycling. Efforts are being made to support residents on estates with food recycling and wider recycling initiatives.
In 2025/26, Lewisham achieved a household recycling rate of 28.3%. The waste strategy sets local ambitions to increase household recycling to 40% and reduce residual household waste to 450 kg per household and 280 kg per head, while supporting the wider London ambition of achieving 65% municipal recycling.
Discussions also touched upon efforts to combat recycling contamination, with explanations of the work of recycling advisors and improved bin labelling. The council is trialling flexi-plastics collection in Sydenham, with plans to accept these from next year. Full borough coverage of food waste collections is expected by the end of December.
