Islington's efforts to boost household recycling and reduce waste are showing positive signs, with a slight reduction in residual waste and a rise in organic waste, but persistent barriers continue to challenge residents, a recent scrutiny committee meeting heard.

The Environment, Climate and Transport Scrutiny Committee received an update on the Do Your Bit, Recycle It campaign, which has been running for approximately nine months. The campaign, grounded in behavioural science, aims to improve clarity on recycling, build resident confidence, and motivate greater participation. This initiative is part of a broader effort to tackle waste, as outlined in the ECT Workplan 2025-26.

While the campaign has employed various communication channels, including social media and targeted engagement in areas with lower recycling rates, residents have highlighted several obstacles. A survey and a Recycling Resident Summit revealed that key barriers include a lack of clear information and uncertainty about what can and cannot be recycled. The summit, in particular, showed a strong interest in clear and consistent communication from residents.

In response to resident feedback, the council is planning to roll out food waste collections for all residents in flats above shops by the end of March. This will be supported by a dedicated communications campaign and starter packs. The introduction of food waste collections has already led to a slight rise in organic waste, with some indications of reduced residual waste in areas receiving enhanced engagement. The council is also exploring ways to address residents' concerns about the convenience and aesthetics of communal food waste bins, aiming to make commitments about planting around bins and ensuring regular servicing and cleaning. While concerns about hygiene were raised, the council notes that communal bins are serviced and cleaned, and we've not had regular occurrences so far of the bins filling up they're serviced related smells from it at all .

Residents have also highlighted issues with recycling infrastructure on estates. Recommendations from the Public reports pack and resident feedback suggest a focus on improving recycling infrastructure, enhancing signage, increasing bin capacity, and ensuring consistent provision of food waste recycling facilities. Residents have specifically called for continued investment in recycling infrastructure on estates, improved signage, increased capacity in some locations, consistent food waste provision, and expanded access points for recycling bags and caddies.

Overall, the meeting indicated that residual waste is expected to be around 67,000 tonnes this year, a slight reduction, and organic waste has risen slightly, particularly associated with the introduction of food waste collections. While these numbers are not yet significantly different, they are viewed as positive moves in the right direction.