Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 25th April 2024 Issue no. 1111
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SOAPBOX: A rubbish-free future for London: challenges and solutions
By Josh Clarke, managing director at Clear It Waste
“As a born-and-bred Londoner, I've witnessed first-hand the changes this vibrant city has undertaken —the rise of skyscrapers, the increasing number of tourists and the exciting new developments - and yes, the ever-present challenge of waste management.
From the cobbled streets of Camden to the bustling markets of Brixton, London is a fantastically diverse city, which continues to attract talent from all over the world to join its workforce as well as visitors to enjoy the sights worth seeing. This constant change and growth sets an almost impossible task for companies like Clear It Waste who aim to provide greener solutions in order to keep London looking its best.
In recent years, the landscape of waste management in London has undergone seismic shifts. With real estate prices reaching dizzying heights within the city limits, commercial transfer stations have been pushed further afield, seeking refuge in the neighbouring counties of Essex and Kent. The city centre is then left without the facilities to manage the waste from over 7million people, plus tourists!
This exodus has brought with it a slew of challenges for businesses and residents alike. The increased distances from waste management sites mean higher transportation costs and steeper disposal fees, leaving Londoners grappling with the consequences of this urban sprawl.
Compounding these challenges is the Government's annual uptick in landfill tax—a policy that hits close to home for us Londoners. While the intention may be noble—to incentivise recycling and curb reliance on landfills—the reality is a burden that weighs heavily on our shoulders. It’s an added cost that Londoners including small business owners like myself don't need.
As a native Londoner and the owner of a rubbish removal company, I've seen first-hand the toll this tax takes on our communities. It's not just about the bottom line; it's about the impact on London's boroughs and the environment we call home.
Despite these challenges that continue to present themselves to all Londoners, there is room for optimism. As a city known for its innovation and resilience, London is ripe for technological solutions to age-old problems. Just as we've seen the rise of ride-sharing apps revolutionise transportation, so too can we reimagine waste collection in the digital age. Imagine a London where residents can summon a rubbish removal service with the tap of a screen—a seamless, efficient solution to the city's waste woes…
Challenges often create creativity and we have seen in recent years convenience and a passion to move to a more environmentally ethical way of living encourage innovation. It's a vision that drives us forward, inspiring us to harness the power of technology for the betterment of our city and its residents.
As Londoners, we take pride in our boroughs—the vibrant markets, the winding alleyways, the hidden gems tucked away in every corner. Changes to local council schedules however prevents our streets from staying as clean as they can be. In fact across boroughs the frequency of domestic collections has dwindled to once every two weeks, leaving our streets to face a new challenge and taking away a sense of pride residents feel for their areas as the rubbish piles up.
Overflowing bins, litter-strewn pavements, and the ever-present threat of rodent infestations threaten to mar the very fabric of our communities. It's a battle we cannot afford to lose. That's why, as a rubbish removal company rooted in our well-loved capital, we're committed to standing up for our streets, advocating for a return to weekly collections and ensuring that our boroughs remain clean, safe, and welcoming for all who call them home.
As someone who grew up in an East London council estate that relied on public funding, it leaves me disheartened to see councils not taking responsibility in regards to the future of London's streets. To ensure this amazing city's future prosperity, we must confront the challenges that lie ahead—from the exodus of transfer stations to the burden of landfill tax and the dwindling frequency of domestic collections. It's a daunting task, but one that I face with determination and optimism.
Changes must be convenient for the everyday London worker and of course position our city as a place worth visiting to tourists. We are visited by 30 million holidaymakers and tourists each year and I always want to ensure we have our best foot forward.
Whilst councils should bear the responsibility of rubbish collection, it is obvious we cannot rely on them. Collection times are too few and far between, so alternative solutions need to be offered. Implementing systems similar to ride pick up and other service apps, for rubbish removal could revolutionise the waste management industry, making it more convenient, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
By utilising technology seen in other sectors we could:
* Create an On-Demand Service: Just as many apps allow users to request services whenever and wherever they need them, a rubbish removal platform could enable customers to schedule pickups for their waste at their convenience. This would eliminate the need for cumbersome scheduling processes and allow for quick and efficient disposal.
* Develop Environmental Impact Tracking: By monitoring this on-demand service app we could also track the environmental impact of waste removal activities, providing customers with insights into the amount of waste they're generating and the environmental benefits of proper disposal and recycling.
* Work in better Integration with Recycling Facilities: To promote sustainability, the development of a waste removal platform could partner with recycling facilities to ensure that collected waste is sorted and recycled whenever possible. Customers could opt for eco-friendly disposal options, knowing that their waste is being handled responsibly.
Together, we can chart a course towards a cleaner, greener London—a city where waste is managed responsibly, boroughs thrive, and we continue to look towards innovation across all of our public sectors.”
www.gov.uk | www.clearitwaste.co.uk
7th March 2024