Lib Dems launch recycling pledge

6.00.00pm GMT Thu 4th Feb 2010

Southwark Liberal Democrats have pledged to increase the borough's recycling rate to at least 40% by 2014/15.

Commenting Lib Dem Cllr Paul Kyriacou, Executive Member for the Environment, said, "In the last seven years we have increased recycling more than six-fold from a pitiful 3.6% we inherited from Labour, to 21% this year. But we want to get that figure even higher which is why we are working hard to make it even easier for people across Southwark to recycle.

"It's the Liberal Democrats who are transforming recycling in the borough. We have introduced a simple single combined recycling bin which will be replacing the various recycling containers and a clear bag collection service is now available to over 41,000 flats. What's more we've overseen the expansion of bottle banks and other recycling sites across the borough, introduced commuter bins in and around transport hubs, a recycling enforcement programme and an incentive scheme to boost recycling participation.

"And when the Old Kent Road recycling plant comes on stream we'll be able to recycle food and organic material and push recycling rates even higher."

ENDS