Recycling on estates is changing from 30 May.

In the past different estates in Hackney had differing levels of service – a few had door to door collections, while many others did not.

Because of access issues, particularly in high rise buildings, recycling on estates is more complicated than collections to on-street properties.

Local authorities across the country have found recycling schemes on estates difficult to implement. To help resolve this, Hackney s recycling team got special funding to run a series of trials to try and determine the best methods to increase recycling levels.

Hackney was one of the few local authorities to test out door to door collections on estates. After the trials had started, London Fire Brigade issued recommendations against door to door collections. Their concerns were that recyclable materials placed in corridors may affect escape routes and can pose a fire risk. These were then verified by independent fire safety consultants. Several other local authorities that offer a similar service are now also in the process of stopping collections from high rise buildings.

Door to door collections will now end in high-rise blocks and new facilities will be put in place from 30 May. Where possible, estate residents in street-based properties will get a door to door collection.

All residents have been written to, explaining how the changes will affect them.

Cllr Alan Laing, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said:
“It’s up to all of us to do our bit to make Hackney greener. Recycling is an easy way we can all make a difference and residents on estates play an important part in helping Hackney recycle as much as we can. The Council is investing in estates recycling and over the coming months estates will see a 20% increase in facilities available to them.”

For further information visit www.hackney.gov.uk/recycling or ring the recycling hotline on 020 8356 6688