Redbridge Council shortlisted for national environmental award for fly-tipping initiative

Redbridge Council is in the final heat for a top national award from one of the UK’s leading environmental charities.

Keep Britain Tidy recently announced the borough’s Neighbourhoods and Streetscene team as an award finalist in the charities upcoming Network Awards 2021.

The team was shortlisted for the Outstanding Service Delivery award for their successful work tackling a rise in fly-tipping across the borough between March and June 2020 – when the first wave of the pandemic hit.

Despite having to find new ways of working to navigate COVID lockdowns and restrictions, the team quickly rose to the challenge and under the initiative ‘Synergy in Civic Pride: One big challenge. One brilliant Team.’ the team put in place a range of measures to combat fly-tipping.

The award shortlisting recognised the team’s innovative efforts under the initiative, including:

• Developing and delivering online workshops on reducing waste and how to dispose of it legally, and properly.
• Joint operations between enforcement and street cleansing to ensure fly-tips are investigated and cleared simultaneously, resulting in a streamlined service with faster clear-ups, and increased enforcement action against those making a mess in the borough.
• A new litter picking service in hotspots.
• 200% average increase in penalty notices issued due improved intelligence and faster investigation.
• A hard-hitting illegal dumping campaign ran across fly-tipping hotspots in the borough. The campaign provided educational videos for residents, and highlighted the negative impact and legal consequences of dumping rubbish on the borough’s streets.
• Delivering inspiring community initiatives in line with COVID restrictions to help local people improve greenspaces in their neighbourhoods and discourage fly-tipping.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Civic Pride Cllr Jo Blackman said: “This is a thoroughly deserving nomination, and testament to the great work being carried out by our Neighbourhoods and Streetscene team to continue addressing the issues important to our residents. Despite the pandemic our staff have been delivering real results, cleaning up our streets and working with local people to improve our environment.”

The Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Jas Athwal commented, “Congratulations to our Neighbourhoods and Streetscene team for this recognition of their fantastic work. Throughout the pandemic we have had to find new and innovative ways to support local people, preserve our environment and prevent criminal behaviour like fly-tipping and I’m proud of how council staff have delivered in these challenging times.”

Keep Britain Tidy will be announcing the award winners during an online ceremony on Wednesday 3rd February.

The awards reward and recognise excellence and innovation in improving local environmental quality, with emphasis this year on maintaining key services in response to the coronavirus pandemic.