Wandsworth Council has come under fire for its handling of food waste and recycling, as councillors and residents voice frustration over ongoing failures in waste management.
Despite new policies aimed at tackling the issue, thousands of residents—particularly those living in flats above shops—are left dealing with overflowing bins, street litter, and rodent infestations.
During a tense council meeting last month, officials admitted that Wandsworth has around 10,000 flats above shops without proper waste storage, forcing residents to leave rubbish sacks on the pavement. Foxes regularly tear into these bags, scattering waste across busy streets. Complaints have surged as residents report horrendous smells, unsanitary conditions, and a lack of clear collection policies.
Councillor Austin, who lives in one such flat, described the situation as “dreadful”, adding that residents are frequently fined for leaving waste outside—despite having no other options. Council officers acknowledged that this issue has persisted for years, yet solutions remain slow-moving and largely ineffective.
Schools and Community Groups Left to Struggle
Wandsworth’s recycling problems aren’t limited to residents. Schools and community organizations are now facing financial burdens as new recycling laws take effect. Under the Environment Act 2021, non-domestic properties must comply with strict recycling regulations by March 31, 2025.
The council admitted that many schools and community groups must now pay for waste collection, as they are classified as commercial premises. While directly managed schools will receive free recycling services, independent schools and small organizations will have to foot the bill—a decision slammed by some councillors as deeply unfair.
One councillor warned that this would force schools to cut back on resources for students, while others questioned why the council refuses to offer financial assistance to struggling community groups.
A Long-Awaited Fix?
In response to growing criticism, the council outlined several measures to address its failing waste management system:
- Surveying Flats Above Shops: Officials will finally assess properties to determine where waste storage solutions can be introduced.
- Expanding Communal Bins: The council is rolling out shared waste and recycling bins to reduce litter and overflowing sacks.
- Increasing Collection Frequency: The Cleaner Borough Plan (Phase Two) promises more frequent waste collections, though no timeline has been confirmed.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Schools and businesses will receive guidance on meeting recycling targets, but no financial support has been offered.
Critics Call for Urgent Action
With £27 million spent annually on waste collection and disposal, many are questioning why basic waste issues remain unresolved. The council’s slow rollout of borough-wide food waste collection, launched in June 2024, has failed to address key logistical problems, leaving many without adequate service.
Critics argue that Wandsworth Council is too reliant on short-term fixes, rather than investing in proper infrastructure to prevent waste from piling up in the first place.
“This is a problem that has been ignored for too long,” said one local resident we spoke to. “We can’t keep passing the blame while our streets remain filthy and our schools struggle to pay for waste collection.”
The council claims it is committed to finding solutions, but as public frustration rises, many believe it’s time for action—not just promises.
