Visit libraries to collect Wandsworth recycling sacks

From tomorrow (Wednesday September 22) residents on the Wandsworth side of Clapham can pick up recycling sacks from five libraries in the borough.

The use of local libraries as recycling sack supply points follows the council's announcement earlier this month that any clear sack is now allowed to be used for recycling rather than those issued by the council.

The libraries for Clapham residents are Battersea on Lavender Hill, Balham on Ramsden Road, or further afield in the borough Putney, Tooting and Southfields if convenient. The recycling sacks can also be collected from the council's Customer Service Centre at the town hall in Wandsworth High Street.

To make it easier for residents to recycle, Wandsworth council has also said bulky cardboard no longer needs to be put inside the recycling sacks to be collected. If the cardboard is flattened, dry and neatly stacked alongside other recycling and general waste, bin loaders will accept it.

As such, the new rule comes with the request that residents avoid leaving cardboard out for extended periods in the rain, as it will not be possible to collect if it is too wet.

The changes have come about for two reasons, Wandsworth council say.

Firstly, the amount of waste and recycling left out by households since the pandemic began has increased significantly – meaning residents are using and needing more recycling sacks than ever.

In addition, staff shortages caused by covid infections at the council's contractor, combined with a nationwide shortage of lorry drivers and agency replacements has affected the normal distribution schedule of clear sacks.

Environment spokesman Cllr Steffi Sutters said: "We know that many of our residents are really dedicated to recycling so it's our job to give them tools to support that.

"Making sacks available for collection at libraries, and also from the town hall, is a simple and straightforward measure that will help achieve this. Most of these libraries are located in main town centres so should be easy and convenient for residents to get to.

"All we would ask is that residents who collect sacks take only what they need. It would be a real drawback if people take away huge numbers of sacks and leave none for their neighbours.

"We will of course ensure that stocks are regularly replenished, but we would appeal to people to take only what they realistically need."

Battersea Library Opening Hours

Monday-Wednesday 09:00 – 20:00

Friday 09:00-18:00

Sunday 13:00-17:00

Balham Library Opening Hours

Monday 09:00-20:00

Wednesday-Thursday 09:00-20:00

Saturday 10:00-18:00