Southwark recycling rates going BACKWARDS as Labour on course to miss another target

The percentage of waste collected by Southwark Council being recycled has dropped by 3.4% to just 30% from 2021/22 to 2022/23, according to new government statistics.

The latest data published by DEFRA show that recycling rates in Southwark have fallen by 5.4% since 2014/15 when rates reached 35.7%. 

In 2023 Southwark Labour pledged to reach a recycling rate of 40% by 2025. Liberal Democrat opposition in Southwark has said it now looks certain that Labour will miss that target without “major improvements”.

Lib Dem run Kingston-upon-Thames, by comparison, has consistently achieved recycling rates above 45% since 2014/15.

Commenting, Southwark Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Cllr Rachel Bentley said:

“We seem to say it every year, but Southwark Labour really are rubbish with rubbish. To be performing considerably worse than they were in 2014 seems absurd. Their target of 40% by next year was unambitious from the get go and they’re even going to miss that. They certainly have a lot to learn from Lib Dem run Kingston. 

“These pitiful recycling rates along with the flytipping and litter that plague Southwark’s streets and estates make it clear that the council’s waste management needs major improvement. This issue matters to our communities and that’s why the Southwark Liberal Democrats are calling on residents who’ve also had enough of this rubbish to sign our petition and demand better.”