Join us to move London Bridge ‘Towards Zero Waste’

Team London Bridge are excited to launch a new partnership working ‘Towards Zero Waste’ in London Bridge.

This work will cover a wider range of services than before, with a stronger focus on reducing and re-using waste, whilst also keeping our recycling rates up. This is in line with our net zero targets to reduce emissions and be more resource efficient.

There is a lot of great work already happening in the area. Only last week Team London Bridge hosted a “Great Place to Work” awards evening, with three awards in the Circular Economy and waste category: to Norton Rose Fulbright, Tesco and London Bridge station.

Waste and circular economy is a highly innovative field at present, and we will work closely with local businesses to ensure we are always hearing about new ideas. We will also seek initiatives that enhance our responsible business and healthy streets objectives.

Here are some highlights:

Waste on wheels. We are working with First Mile and Recorra - both partners in the area for many years – to set up micro-hubs so that waste can be collected by cargo bike. Our waste can then also help to reduce the number of vehicles, emissions, noise and pollution. Look out for excellent rates too. 

A waste working group. We are now regularly meeting with waste operators and landlords managing major waste contracts to measure our waste across the area so we can monitor our success in reducing it over time, as well as improving recycling and contamination rates.

Bikes for good. We have started collecting abandoned bikes across the area with the council, Guy’s campus and the station, which are then being handed to local bike charities, such as The Bike Project, that can refurbish them for people seeking employment. 15 bikes were collected just last week!

Diverse waste streams. We will develop partnerships to look at multiple waste streams. We are thrilled to work with Tesco Tooley Street to launch a large bin for soft plastics (anything that scrunches and opens up) that the London Bridge community can use. We are also looking at a shared platforms for bulky items and food waste.

Changing behaviour. We look forward to working with you and colleagues to get the message out about better ways of reducing recycling, so we will run webinars, events and outreach with partners. ‘Simpler Recycling’ laws are coming in April 2025, so do join us to get ready!