Circular economy
Lewisham councillors are discussing incineration's role in waste strategy and climate goals, while Hackney is piloting community skips to promote reuse and recycling.
In November 2026, Lewisham councillors raised concerns about the environmental impact and carbon emissions of incineration, linking it to the council's waste strategy and climate goals. A report presented to the Sustainable Development Select Committee highlighted efforts to improve waste performance and transition towards a circular economy. In October 2026, Hackney Council began piloting a community skip initiative to collect reusable items, small electricals, and textiles, integrating give-and-take tables.
Also in October 2026, Southwark Council launched a review of its waste management and street cleaning services, prompted by an upcoming contract renewal. Islington Council's Executive endorsed a report in June 2026 recommending improvements to household recycling and waste reduction due to plateauing rates. The Skills, Place and Economy Scrutiny Commission in Hackney is scheduled to discuss related matters in November 2026.
The circular economy is an economic model focused on eliminating waste and continually using resources through reuse, repair, and recycling. In July 2026, Hounslow Council's Cabinet recommended approval of the West London Waste Plan, which manages waste development across six boroughs until 2041, with Ealing Council adopting it in June 2026.
Key facts
- Lewisham councillors raised concerns in November 2026 about the environmental impact and carbon emissions of incineration, linking it to waste strategy and climate goals. Source
- Hackney Council began piloting a community skip initiative in October 2026 to collect bulky reuse items, small electricals, and textiles. Source
- Southwark Council launched a review of its waste management and street cleaning services in October 2026, ahead of a major contract renewal in 2033. Source
- Islington Council's Executive endorsed a report in June 2026 recommending improvements to household recycling and waste reduction. Source
- Hounslow Council's Cabinet recommended approval of the West London Waste Plan in July 2026, covering waste management for six boroughs until 2041. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 6 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.