Havering Friends of the Earth

Recycling in Havering

by John Robinson; first published 26-Jan-2024

Inside a bottle bank - John Robinson

Havering Friends of the Earth broadly welcomes the recent changes and improvements to the borough's recycling service. Twelve years ago, we started campaigning for a wider range of plastics to go into orange recycling sacks - so we're glad to see that plastic packaging has at last been added to the list. There's still room for improvement though, e.g. plastic film and bags, and cartons made from composite materials.

It's good that glass bottles and jars can now go in sacks too, but we hope this won't lead to the withdrawal of "bring banks". Glass is heavy and fragile, and I for one would rather carry it to a safe and secure bottle bank than risk kerbside breakages, with possible injury to the public and workers handling the sacks. The reduced bulk of (largely broken) glass in bottle banks surely makes transportation more efficient?

Kerbside collection of textiles (in separate bags) is also welcome, although - as with "bring bank" bins - it's unclear whether items too soiled or damaged for re-use will have their fibres recovered and recycled into new products. Batteries and some small electrical items can also be put out. The council's Reuse and Recycling Centre (RRC) at Gerpins Lane accepts the widest range of waste items, but it's not much use to those of us without a car! Fortunately Havering residents can also use three other East London Waste Authority sites, including Frizlands Lane RRC which is on the 103 bus route. You'll need to show a current Council Tax Bill or Driving Licence.

Small electricals that aren't accepted kerbside (e.g. fluorescent tubes/bulbs) can be deposited at some retailers. Search recycle your electricals to find those nearest to you. Some stores will take larger appliances too, but usually only if you're buying a like-for-like replacement from them. Of course, it's always better to have faulty items repaired. There are still a few retailers and tradespersons offering repairs, also search online for Restart Project. Some charity shops accept working electrical items, which they test for safety and then sell for re-use.

Lastly, if you have a collection of old garden or DIY chemicals, don't even think about pouring them down the drain! There's a household hazardous waste collection and disposal service operated by City of London on behalf of nearly all boroughs; search hazardous waste collection London.