The North London Waste Authority, which runs the Gateway Road reuse and recycling centre says it has been advised that keeping the site open would ‘result in a significant and unavoidable cost increase’
The North London Waste Authority (NLWA) has opened a six-week consultation with residents on the future of the Gateway Road Reuse and Recycling Centre (RRC) in Waltham Forest.
The consultation, the NLWA says, will allow the body to assess the potential impacts of a proposed site closure in November 2024.
In a press statement announcing the consultation, the group said: “The operation of NLWA RRCs is paid for solely by public funds, and at a time when local government budgets are under increasing pressure, it is more important than ever that we provide the best value for our councils and taxpayers.
“While we will always regret the need to consider closure of a site or service, we are confident this solution will allow us to offer the best value for money for residents without compromising their ability to reuse and recycle unwanted items.”
In July 2024 the NLWA opened a new, “state-of-the-art” RRC at the Edmonton EcoPark to offer an additional point of service for all north London residents. The body says that the increased level of service has allowed them to consider where they might be able to scale back or cease other operations that are no longer providing value for money.
The NLWA adds that through discussions with Bywaters, the private company that manages the Gateway Road Reuse and Recycling Centre, it has been advised that keeping the site open would “result in a significant and unavoidable cost increase”.
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The waste authority adds: “In cases such as this, when factors change or costs increase, it is our responsibility as a publicly funded body to reconsider our position to ensure we continue to spend taxpayer money in the most efficient way. With the additional services we now offer and the new RRC at Edmonton EcoPark, we are confident that without Gateway Road residents will still be able to easily and efficiently dispose of their waste.”
The consultation period will run for six weeks, from Wednesday 31st July to Wednesday 11th September. Residents can participate online, over the phone, or in person at the site. Following this period we will assess all responses provided and we expect to make a decision on the future of the site in late September.
Residents can complete the online survey now to share their views. You can also vist this FAQ webpage to get more information about the consultation period and NLWA’s proposal
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