Haringey Liberal Democrats have been stunned by the revelation that Haringey Council’s own employees do not have access to recycling facilities for plastic bottles. Staff in the council’s headquarters atRiver Park House were informed by the Buildings Manager that while “Tin cans go in the red topped recycling bin in your kitchen area”, “Plastic bottles go in the general bin – we can’t recycle them.”

Councillor Bob Hare, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for the Environment, comments:

“It is absolutely unbelievable that the Council has not made provision for their own workers to recycle. We have lobbied long and hard for Haringey Council to pay more attention to the environment, particularly recycling, so it is surprising to say the least. It is a clear indication that, despite the Council shouting about its recycling ‘successes’ from the rooftops, their policy is dictated by the drive to win votes – when it comes to keeping their own house in order, they just don’t care.”

Councillor Neil Williams, Leader of the Opposition, adds:

“For a council that declares itself to be concerned with the environment, to be advising its staff to throw plastic in the bin is hypocritical and shameful. They have adopted a ‘do as I say, not as I do’ attitude, and I have no doubt that voters who have a concern for the environment will find this attitude very distasteful.”