NLGN idea to reward recycling back on the agenda

November 24, 2009


  • Speech from George Osborne backs principle behind “rewards for recycling”
  • NLGN first floated the idea in 2007
  • Rewards should be linked to neighbourhood improvement and potentially cutting Council Tax

Independent think tank the New Local Government Network (NLGN) today welcomed comments from Shadow Chancellor, George Osborne MP that a Conservative Government would offer financial incentives to households that recycle more – a recommendation made in an NLGN report in 2007.

In a speech today Mr Osborne will promise that the public would be “paid”, possibly with shopping vouchers, to recycle their rubbish.

The NLGN argues that whilst households should be incentivised to reduce waste and recycle more, that councils should reward whole neighbourhoods if their overall levels of non-recyclable waste declines by giving them budgets to spend on projects for their community, such as refurbishing a local park or improving community safety measures. NLGN argues that this would help to build a better sense of community purpose and would result in more tangible public reward; both factors that research shows are strong drivers in changing behaviour.

However it also said that instead of offering shopping vouchers as a reward for recycling, Mr Osborne could look at linking the reduction of waste to reducing household Council Tax bills. More recycling could allow councils to spend less on burying rubbish in landfill and NLGN argues that savings made could be passed on to local taxpayers.

The UK has one of the worst records for municipal waste sent to landfill, with over two-thirds of the 30 million tonnes of waste being buried.

The NLGN first made these recommendations in its report, How can we Refuse? Tackling the Waste Challenge, by Anthony Brand.

NLGN Director, Chris Leslie welcomed support for the concept from the Shadow Chancellor:

“Our analysis suggests that households are more receptive to the carrot than the stick when encouraging recycling and we’re pleased that George Osborne is putting forward some positive incentives to support environmental behaviour, which will save money for both individuals and local authorities.”

However we would urge him to look at offering a “community payback” scheme that rewards whole neighbourhoods for reducing their overall level of waste. By linking together financial rewards for greener behaviour this would allow communities to improve their locality whilst reducing the burden of waste”.


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