Dedicated recyclers have received letters from the council warning them to recycle more, in a move that has left many bemused and perplexed.
Islington Council has sent reminder letters to 276 homes, and follow-up letters to 30 properties warning that more effort needs to be made to recycle.
Many of the recipients believe that they have been targeted incorrectly, and are unhappy with the council wasting paper in a bid to promote recycling.
Alison Barlow from Mildmay received a warning letter and said: “It’s the silly council again, starting on the wrong premise. [They] ought to be cleverer at working out what the problem is.”
Alison explained that she recycles regularly and efficiently, but believes she was targeted because she puts her food waste directly on to her compost heap, and avoids buying packaged foods.
The council’s compulsory recycling scheme, which was launched in April this year, relies on staff to make visual checks, but does not take into account residents recycling in alternative locations, or those producing little recyclable waste.
Mr Hall from Barnsbury received a reminder letter even though his wife ensures that they recycle. He said: “We recycle regularly, but often keep the food waste hidden away in the dustbin in our garden.”
The criticism comes after a backlash in April over the council spending up to £50,000 to advertise the recycling scheme with bus stop advertisements and leaflets.
Paul Smith, Islington Council’s executive member for environment, said: “I’m very pleased with the response from residents to increase recycling.
“However, we are finding a few who still refuse to recycle, and in coming weeks we will be stepping up enforcement against those who refuse to do their bit to help their community save money.”
