Waste Management
Councils are reviewing waste management strategies and updating regional waste plans.
Southwark Council is reviewing its waste management and street cleaning services, preparing a strategy for 2027 and anticipating government recycling policy changes, ahead of a major contract renewal in 2033. Lambeth Council also agreed in October 2026 to review its waste management strategy, including potential community mega-skip schemes and tougher enforcement against fly-tipping. Separately, the West London Waste Plan, updating regional waste management strategies until 2041, was approved for public consultation by Hillingdon Council in July 2026, with Harrow's Planning Policy Advisory Panel discussing safeguarding concerns.
Hounslow Council is addressing the increasing discovery of nitrous oxide cylinders during litter picks, following resident concerns raised in September 2026. Waste management issues were also cited in July 2026 by residents regarding a restaurant's licence review in Kensington and Chelsea, and by residents objecting to a large HMO application in Sutton in August 2026. Sutton's Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee discussed waste management in October 2026, and Havering's Strategic Planning Committee considered alterations to refuse and recycling facilities for a development in October 2026.
Lewisham Council's Sustainable Development Committee included waste management in its 2026-27 work programme in July 2026, linking it to the climate and ecological crisis. Merton Council made its 'Pop-Up Tip' programme permanent in June 2026, providing regular waste disposal points across the borough. Islington Council's recycling rates were below target in February 2026, despite investment.
Key facts
- Southwark Council is reviewing its waste management and street cleaning services, prompted by an upcoming contract renewal in 2033. Source
- Lambeth Council agreed to review its waste management strategy, including potential community mega-skip schemes, in October 2026. Source
- Hounslow Council is addressing the increasing discovery of nitrous oxide cylinders during litter picks. Source
- Hillingdon Council approved public consultation for the West London Waste Plan in July 2026. Source
- Merton Council made its 'Pop-Up Tip' programme permanent in June 2026. 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 15 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.