Islington Council's Environment, Climate and Transport Scrutiny Committee has set out its work plan for the upcoming year, with a strong emphasis on improving household recycling and reducing waste. The committee met on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, to discuss key areas, including an update from the North London Waste Authority (NLWA) and draft recommendations for a scrutiny review.
The NLWA, which manages waste for over two million residents across seven north London boroughs, presented its annual performance update. The authority handles approximately one million tonnes of waste annually, with a core mission to preserve resources and the environment through waste minimization and the promotion of recycling centres. For Islington specifically, around 87,000 tonnes of household waste were generated in the last complete year. Residual waste is projected to reduce to 67,000 tonnes this year, while organic waste has seen an increase, partly attributed to the introduction of food waste collections. The NLWA also highlighted efforts to improve accessibility at the Hornsea Street Reuse and Recycling Centre for pedestrians and cyclists, and is advancing circular economy initiatives, bolstered by £13 million in government funding aimed at incentivising manufacturers to contribute to waste disposal costs.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to draft recommendations from the 2025/26 scrutiny review on household recycling and waste reduction. This review, informed by a resident recycling survey and a Recycling Resident Summit, identified that while most residents find recycling straightforward, it presents greater challenges on estates, particularly concerning food waste. Key barriers identified included a lack of information, limited capacity and accessibility of communal bins, distance to recycling facilities, hygiene and pest concerns, difficulties in obtaining recycling bags and caddies, and uncertainty about what can and cannot be recycled. The survey, which received 497 responses, and qualitative feedback from the summit underscored the need for continued investment in recycling infrastructure on estates, improved signage, increased bin capacity, and consistent provision of food waste recycling facilities. Residents also expressed a strong interest in clear, consistent communication about the recycling process, improved bin cleanliness, and discussions around incentives and enforcement.
The effectiveness of the Do Your Bit, Recycle It
campaign, running for approximately nine months, was also a key focus. This long-term, behaviour-change initiative, grounded in behavioural science, aims to improve clarity on recyclables, build confidence in the service, and motivate residents. The campaign has utilised various channels, including outdoor advertising, social media, print media, and partner networks. Paid social media advertising has proven effective in reaching less engaged residents, driving traffic to redesigned web content. The campaign has also benefited from partnerships with organisations like the North London Waste Authority and Arsenal FC, receiving positive feedback and industry award nominations. Targeted engagement activities in areas with lower recycling rates have shown measurable increases in participation and food waste tonnage, with some indications of reduced residual waste. A full evaluation of the campaign is planned for its conclusion.
Specific plans for improving recycling infrastructure on estates are expected to address these findings. This includes enhancing signage, increasing bin capacity where needed, and ensuring consistent food waste recycling provision. The council is rolling out food waste collection services to all residents in flats above shops and businesses, supported by a dedicated communications campaign, door-knocking, starter packs, and follow-up engagement. The trial of food waste bins for flats above shops on Holloway Road in 2023, the first of its kind in England, has paved the way for this wider expansion.
The committee also reviewed and discussed its work plan for the 2025-26 period, detailing the topics and reviews it intends to undertake. The next Recycling and Waste Reduction Plan is anticipated in the summer, with food waste collections for flats above shops scheduled for rollout by the end of March. While specific timelines for all recommendations are not yet detailed, the overarching goal is to enhance recycling rates and reduce overall waste. The campaign's initial results demonstrate measurable increases in participation and food waste tonnage in targeted areas, alongside some reduction in residual waste. The report stresses that effective behaviour change requires a combination of service improvements and sustained engagement, supported by robust data and business cases.
The NLWA's activities also include community outreach, funding a community composting scheme in Islington, and promoting reusable items. They are actively campaigning for regulations on batteries and highlighting the environmental impact of disposable products like vapes. The Edmonton Eco Park development features the award-winning Eco Park House, used for educational and community events, and a Reuse and Recycling Centre that has served 50,000 visitors and collects 25 different waste types. The Energy from Waste plant at the park is currently under construction.
The committee's work plan for the 2025-26 period can be viewed in full here. Further details on the household recycling recommendations can be found in the ECT review 2026 household recycling recommendations v2.pdf.
