London Wider Waste Strategy - London - Greater London Authority

R32 It is recommended that a reduction in the use of paper, cardboard and plastics by the
commercial sector is targeted as a priority in the Wider Waste Strategy. Where paper,
cardboard and plastics are used, they should be recyclable and specific targets should be
set as to the proportion that should be recycled. The same approach should apply to
the recycling of glass, furniture, and waste electric and electrical equipment (WEEE).
R.33 In recognition that many of the improvements in waste management have come about
due to actions impacting on the supply chain, it is recommended that consideration
should be given to:
• compulsory EMS for members of particular trade associations;
• compulsory EMS for certain types of companies, including operators of relatively
large office facilities;
• development of a waste management charter which all organisations (above a
certain size) in London should be encouraged or required to adhere to;
• restricting the use of disposable containers for serving food and drink within all
London eat-in establishments, and where they are used, for the containers to be
highly recoverable;
• lobby for imposing a significant fee for the use of plastic bags provided by London
businesses, or prohibiting the use of non-recyclable plastic bags;
• introducing measures to promote the development and use of highly biodegradable
plastic bags in London; and
• to promote the recycling of all plastic bags in London.
R.34 It is recommended that research is carried out into the composition of waste in London
that is currently described as ‘general’ with the main focus being given to the following
industries since they produce the highest tonnages of waste in this category: food, drink
and tobacco; publishing, printing and recording; transport, storage, communications;
miscellaneous. Where relevant, consideration should be given to carrying out this
research in conjunction with trade associations with the aim of increasing the
participation of their members.
R.35 In developing the Wider Waste Strategy, it is recommended that the GLA liaises with the
National Health Service (NHS) to consider the implications of the soon to be published
NHS Waste Management Strategy. It is also recommended that the NHS should be
asked to provide data on the composition of its wastes and what disposal routes are
employed.
R.36 It is recommended that consideration should be given to adopting a strategic approach
to waste management across all London NHS Trusts in order to make more efficient use
of resources, and that the GLA should discuss the potential for such an approach with
NHS Estates.
R.37 It is recommended that the NHS should be encouraged to make it a requirement that all
new buildings and refurbishment projects should incorporate innovative waste transport
mechanisms such as vacuum powered chutes to minimise space requirements, and allow
segregation at source. These should include sufficient capacity for additional
segregation in the future, and ensure that clinical, non-clinical wastes, and special
wastes are handled in such a way as to prevent any risk of cross contamination.
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