Latest figures considered on 23 January by Richmond Council’s Environment Scrutiny Committee show that the percentage of household waste recycled in the borough has stagnated for nearly 3 years between 43% and 45% ever since the Tories took control of the Council.

By contrast the household waste recycling rate rose from 28% in 2006 to 43% in 2010 when the Liberal Democrats were running the Council.

Cllr Martin Elengorn, Opposition environment spokesperson said:

“When Cllr Morris, Tory Cabinet Member for Environment, took office she promised a ‘step change’ in the recycling rate.

“In fact it crawled up from 43% in 2009/10 to 44% in 2010/11 and 44¾% in 2011/12.  The figures for the first six months of 2012/13 actually show a fall to 44¼%.  Even more worryingly, residual waste per household, having fallen from 694 kg in 2006/7 to 552kg in 2009/10 and 497 kg in 2011/12 has risen to an annual rate of 520 kg in the first six months of 2012/13. This is not only bad for the environment but has a cost in extra landfill charges.

“When they took office in May 2010 the Tories dispensed with the Council’s Waste Advisors who called on households to promote the recycling service. This was on the grounds that residents shouldn’t be preached at concerning their life-style. By contrast Tory Bexley who boast of a recycling rate of 51% have Waste Advisors to encourage residents to recycle.”

“In July 2012 I suggested that a task Group of councillors be set up to consider how progress on increasing the recycling rate could be resumed.  At last this is now meeting and I look forward to their report.”