ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

In London, international water, waste and energy management specialist Veolia in achieved a recycling rate of 56 per cent in one of Westminster's largest clean-up operations of the year - Pride.

Veolia's team members worked shifts before, during and after the parade, collecting just over 26 tonnes of litter from the streets, with 14.7 tonnes being recycled.

New practices were put in place this year to further improve upon the event's recycling rate, including 10 employees maintaining a constant presence along the parade route - six of them dedicated to litter picking recyclable items, collecting cans, cartons and bottles from those enjoying the parade.

Visitors were supported in their efforts to recycle by crew members proactively taking their waste, as well as through distinctive on-street litter bins with clear recycling compartments that were strategically placed behind the crowd line. Correct waste segregation was also ensured through the deployment of both recycling and general waste collection vehicles on the day, with recycling vehicles heading straight to the nearby Southwark Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) for sorting.