Herne Hill locals have come together to address a smelly eyesore plaguing the neighbourhood streets, with an innovative new ‘Waste Collective’ to clear pavements of rubbish.
The national-first programme aims to keep the high streets clear of commercial waste and industrial bins for 23 hours a day, everyday, with a cost effective recycling collection service.
The clean streets initiative has seen 19 businesses in Herne Hill sign up so far, with more to come.
Harry Niazi, Owner of Olley’s Fish Experience restaurant, Herne Hill, said it has been easy and cost effective to implement.
“I rarely see any of my rubbish in my street now. The collectors come like clockwork after the end of the shift, right to the back of the restaurant so it doesn’t go out on the road. Being a food business we’re really conscious of being sustainable and recycling everything we can.”
The Waste Collective is a revolutionary partnership between local businesses, the Herne Hill Forum, and Quantum Waste, with full support from Lambeth and Southwark Councils.
Quantum Waste, a south London enterprise, can collect from 40 businesses on each trip and are able to recycle or compost 90% of the rubbish. Food is composted or transformed into biogas and fertiliser is produced too.
Helen Hayes, MP for Dulwich and West Norwood said she is pleased to support the Herne Hill Waste Collective, which is a great example of local businesses working together to improve the area for all.
“It is great to see Herne Hill leading the way on a sustainable approach to commercial waste,” she said.
Herne Hill resident George Hornby said: “Large industrial bins are clogging up the pavement. I don’t see why businesses can keep their bins on streets and residents aren’t allowed to.”
Javier Rojo, Quantum Waste said: “At Herne Hill, we are aiming to turn the old system of rigid contracts for weekly wheelie bin waste disposals into a flexible, pay as you go, people centred, daily bag collection service that enables traders to recycle all materials at once. The new system is good for the public, the traders and also good for the environment.”
Giles Gibson, Chair of the Herne Hill Forum, said: ‘This is clearly a powerful opportunity to improve our environment and we urge all Herne Hill traders to come aboard when their existing arrangements end. You’ll find the scheme cheaper and better for customers, so better for your business. It also supports local enterprise and employment in the collection and recycling sector.’