The Environment Select Committee met on Thursday 17 September 2026 to discuss tackling environmental crime and receive an update on waste and recycling services. Key decisions included a commitment to continue efforts to tackle environmental crime, with a focus on e-bike enforcement and the potential for a borough-wide Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). The committee also received an update on the borough-wide rollout of household food waste collections, noting progress in increasing participation and capture rates.

Tackling Environmental Crime

The committee received a comprehensive report on the council's efforts to combat environmental crime, including littering, fly-tipping, and anti-social behaviour (ASB). Councillor Johnny Thalassites, Lead Member for Resident Services, Planning, and Enforcement, highlighted the significant work undertaken by the in-house Street Enforcement Team (SET) and their contracted partners, Kingdom Services. Between November 2024 and August 2026, officers responded to over 21,000 incidents and issued 5,779 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for offences such as littering and fly-tipping.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the effectiveness and potential expansion of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs). Councillors explored the challenges of enforcing PSPOs, particularly regarding their proportionality and the need for adequate enforcement resources. The possibility of rationalising existing PSPOs into a single borough-wide order covering a range of issues was discussed, with the aim of modelling an effective enforcement approach for central London. Concerns were raised about the enforcement of dog-related PSPOs, particularly in relation to dogs in playgrounds, and officers committed to investigating specific instances.

The report detailed the significant number of e-bikes seized, with over 1,300 removed in 2025 and over 1,500 in the first eight months of 2026. This initiative aims to address issues of obstruction and danger caused by e-bike parking. The committee also discussed the implementation of higher rates for fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for offences like fly-tipping, with a £1,000 fine for fly-tipping and £300 for littering. While acknowledging the increased enforcement activity, officers noted that it was difficult to definitively measure behavioural change solely from these figures.

The use of redeployable CCTV to deter and identify fly-tipping offenders was also under consideration, with a recent trial resulting in a £1,000 FPN. However, officers expressed scepticism about the cost-effectiveness of CCTV in recovering its investment through fines, particularly for offences like fly-tipping. The committee also heard about the challenges of enforcing environmental crime on Transport for London (TfL) land, where collaboration with TfL and the police is crucial.

Discussions also touched upon the issue of commercial waste and the challenges of controlling shop and residential bag rubbish. Councillors explored potential redesigns of the service, such as requiring businesses to have their own bin stores. The council's commitment to tackling homelessness was also affirmed, with officers outlining the current approach of encouraging individuals to accept support and the role of outreach teams.

Waste and Recycling Update

The committee received an update on the borough-wide rollout and performance of household food waste collections. Councillor Josh Rendall, Lead Member for Transport, Parks, and Clean Streets, reported that weekly food waste collections are now available to all residential properties. The focus has shifted from expanding the service to increasing participation and improving capture rates. Food waste collections averaged 82.3 tonnes per month in the first seven months of 2026, with a peak of 96 tonnes in one month, moving towards the council's ambition of collecting 100 tonnes per month by the end of the year.

The financial benefits of increased food waste capture were highlighted, with a significant cost saving of over £100 per tonne compared to residual waste disposal. However, a budget pressure of £504,000 was identified due to the additional collection crews required, with a need for sustainable future funding. The council is participating in the London-wide Food's Not Rubbish campaign to encourage residents to use the service.

Updates were also provided on the Western Riverside Waste Authority's plans, including the development of an Outline Business Case for a new Waste Management Services Agreement and the redevelopment of Cringle Dock. The potential introduction of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme for energy from waste facilities could add significant annual costs for the constituent boroughs.

Progress on securing operational depot and salt storage facilities was also discussed. The lease for a new salt store at Unit 5, Apex Industrial Estate, has been signed, with two construction options under consideration. The ongoing assessment of options for Northside Garage and Salter Street, as well as the continued need for Southside Yard as a cleansing services depot, were detailed.

The report also presented figures for Residual Waste per Household (Kg) and Recycling Rate (%). The recycling rate saw a decrease from 24% in Q1 2025/26 to 19.6% in Q1 2026/27. Officers attributed this to challenges in a densely populated borough with a high proportion of flats, communal collection arrangements, and limited garden waste. Efforts are underway to increase food waste participation, improve communal recycling, reduce contamination, and strengthen waste data.

The committee also discussed street washing and enhanced cleansing services, noting the impact of prolonged dry weather and increased hospitality venues on pavement staining. Resources have been redirected to the most affected areas, and a proposal to double the street washing provision using Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) funding is being considered. This would involve adding five new wash crews and six additional vehicles, at an estimated cost of over £811,000.

Select Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme for the 2026/2027 municipal year, identifying key priorities including waste and recycling, culture, cleaner greener initiatives, net zero targets, planning policy, transport policy, budget and resources, flooding risk management, and sports strategy. A visit to the Portobello Court Sustainable Urban Drainage System project was scheduled for 6 November 2026. The committee also noted that the Heathrow Airport expansion and its environmental impacts would be a topic for a future meeting.