Dismore calls for Mayor to intervene over Barnet recycling mismanagement

September 13, 2018 office

At today’s London Assembly Mayor’s Question Time, Andrew Dismore AM, Labour London Assembly member for Barnet and Camden, called on London Mayor Sadiq Khan to intervene over Barnet Council’s recycling mismanagement.

Mr Dismore asked:

‘What progress is being made in discussions with Barnet Council, over their decision to reduce recycling services?

‘It is the case, isn’t it, that Conservative Barnet Council has woefully mismanaged

its waste and recycling services. They have already removed their recycling collection banks around the borough. They sold the ideally located Mill Hill depot before they had a replacement waste transfer site. The new Abotts Depot in Brunswick Park is unsuitable because of its location and size and they paid millions over the odds for the site. For 4 months, the Council was incapable of collecting waste on a weekly basis due to problem with the site.

‘Against that background, on 5^th June, Barnet Council proposed stopping separate collection of food waste which they say should now go into general rubbish, rather than disposing of it by anaerobic digestion.

‘As Barnet are moving away from your Environment Strategy, which contains a target that by 2026 no biodegradable or recyclable waste will be sent to landfill, will you now use your powers to direct the council over its waste recycling?’

The Mayor said that London had one of the worst recycling rates in the country. He has set a London wide target to cut food waste by 50%. Boroughs should have food waste collected, including kerbside collection of food waste. Boroughs have a duty of general conformity with his environment strategy. The mayor has written several times to Barnet’s leader about their decision. The evidence they have produced does not show they have discharged their duties, nor how they will do so by 2020. The Mayor has asked Barnet to postpone their decision for 4 months, for an independent review, free of charge. Should they not take up the offer, he has an option to direct them to do so. The council has an Environment Committee meeting tonight. The Mayor hopes for a voluntary solution, but reminds the Council he has powers to direct, and he hoped they would take up the offer of a review at tonight’s meeting.