Highgate councillor Bob Hare has questioned Haringey Council’s self-congratulatory recycling awards ceremony after figures released by the Association of London Government show the amount of waste recycled by Haringey puts it squarely in the bottom third of London boroughs.

Of 33 boroughs, Haringey came 23rd. It recycled just 14% of collected waste in 2004-2005, barely 8% more than the worst performing borough, Newham.

Councillor Bob Hare comments:

“Despite Haringey’s continuous self-congratulatory press releases and award ceremonies, Haringey Council continues to under-perform when it comes to recycling. The Liberal Democrats have continually put pressure on the Council to get even this far, and there is no doubt that we must continue to do so, as these figures are far from satisfactory.

“The top ten councils in London all recycle 20% or more of their waste, with the best borough managing 30% – more than twice the amount Haringey manages. The Council has spent too much money on award shows, banners, and self satisfied publicity.From 1998 to 2003, Haringey’s recycling record did not improve at all. Only now, just before the local elections and after years of pressure from the Liberal Democrats, are we beginning to see some improvement.”