A new partnership between Veolia and the Baker Street Quarter Partnership (BakerStreetQ) follows the development of the Smarter Recycling Scheme, which aims to simplify waste management and assist businesses in meeting their green goals.
Veolia has been selected as one of two waste providers to support the BakerStreetQ’s targets of improving air quality and increasing recycling rates.
Veolia brings a strong track record to the partnership. Its involvement with neighbouring Business Improvement District, Heart of London Business Alliance, has seen a reduction of over 800 vehicle collection movements in the area each week.
It has also introduced Good To-Go, the on-street recycling scheme for take away cups that has already diverted over 100,000 cups for recycling, and hopes to offer similar developments for the Baker Street Quarter Partnership.
“Westminster suffers from some of the worst air pollution in London, mainly due to the large volume of traffic, so we’re looking forward to implementing solutions to improve this crucial issue.”
Pascal Hauret, Regional Director for Veolia London said: “We’re serious about solving environmental challenges and bringing positive change to communities. We’re extremely proud of the successes we’ve had with Heart of London Business Alliance and we look forward to working with the Baker Street Quarter Partnership to help make a difference there as well.”
Cllr Tim Mitchell, Westminster City Council cabinet member for environment and city management, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Baker Street Quarter Partnership and Veolia, helping local businesses recycle more effectively and efficiently. Westminster suffers from some of the worst air pollution in London, mainly due to the large volume of traffic, so we’re looking forward to implementing solutions to improve this crucial issue.”
The Smarter Recycling Scheme is designed to minimise vehicle emissions by having fewer waste collection providers on the streets, while providing additional local benefits including reduced traffic congestion and discounted service costs for businesses who take part.
In addition to the air quality improvements, the initiative will focus on capturing all recyclable items for reprocessing, and will ensure non recyclables are diverted to energy recovery, not landfill.