Councillor Nilgun Canver

Haringey residents are recycling 120 tonnes more rubbish each week since the introduction of the borough’s new waste collection scheme.

“Dry” recycling - paper, glass, cans, plastic bottles and pots - has increased by 40 per cent in households taking part in the first two phases of the scheme, which has reduced general collections to fortnightly while recyclables remain weekly.

The rise equates to a seven per cent increase in recycling rates across the borough. If the trend continues when phase three is introduced in October, recycling rates will reach 33 per cent, above the 31.7 per cent target set by Haringey Council.

This would result in around 2,000 extra tonnes of recycling being collected annually, with the figure increasing further when taking into account additional food recycling.

Cabinet member for the environment Cllr Nilgun Canver said: “The early indications are that the new waste service is encouraging a behaviour change among residents and encouraging more to recycle.

“By recycling we cut costs, reduce carbon emissions and help protect the environment for our offspring. Once you start recycling it becomes an effortless habit, and I’m really happy to see so many people in the borough doing their bit for the environment.”