30
July
2019
|
15:14
Europe/London

City Corporation trialling new Hampstead Heath recycling points

The City of London Corporation is trialling two new recycling points at either end of Hampstead Heath’s Broad Walk on Parliament Hill this weekend.

If they are used effectively, more will be put in place around the Heath.

Over 300 tonnes of litter are cleaned up on Hampstead Heath every year, more than 80% of which is recyclable. As well as collecting and recycling rubbish, the City Corporation is also calling on visitors to bring less to the Heath and take it home with them.

The City Corporation already has a waste collection system for the Heath, but it has recently signed a contract with Veolia for twice weekly collections from Parliament Hill. The collections will run throughout the year and frequencies will vary according to demand.

The scheme follows a partnership between the City Corporation and Keep Britain Tidy. Earlier this year, the environmental charity carried out research into waste and litter on the Heath, speaking with visitors, user groups and the Hampstead Heath Consultative Committee about how best to tackle the issue.

Karina Dostalova, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Hampstead Heath Management Committee, said:

“This pilot will encourage Heath visitors to recycle more and deal with rubbish in a more sustainable way.

“Our staff work hard to keep the site clean and safe. But we are all custodians of the Heath, and we’re calling on the public to help by bringing less rubbish, disposing of waste responsibly and where possible taking it home with them.”

The City Corporation has also expanded its food waste collection service from the Heath’s cafes. Food waste is now being converted into gas and a dry fertiliser product.

Hampstead Heath is a registered charity, receiving over £5m of funding from the City Corporation every year, along with revenue generated though services, various grants and donations.

It is one of London's most popular open spaces, situated just six kilometres from Trafalgar Square, receiving over nine million visits a year.

The City Corporation protects and conserves 18 green spaces in London and south east England – including Epping Forest and Burnham Beeches - and over 200 smaller ones in the Square Mile. They are funded by over £29million a year from the City Corporation and including important wildlife habitats, sites of scientific interest and national nature reserves. They are protected from being built on by special legislation.

ENDS

About the City of London Corporation

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk