An electric road sweeper capable of collecting over a tonne of litter was demonstrated to Ealing Southall MP Deirdre Costigan, as part of a wider effort to tackle waste crime and boost recycling.
Ms Costigan, the former chair of the Tidy Britain All Party Parliamentary Group, saw a live demonstration of the Boschung sweeper in action, navigating underpasses and pedestrian zones. She later joined bosses at waste management firm Biffa, who are urging the government to take a tougher stance on environmental offences.
Among Biffa’s calls: a crackdown on waste crime at both national and regional levels, an end to the export of unprocessed plastic waste and full implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules. The firm also supports the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) by 2027 to ensure more drinks containers are recycled rather than discarded.
Ms Costigan said: “In the 12 months since I was elected MP for Ealing Southall, one issue has been raised with me more than any other: litter and fly-tipping. People are rightly disgusted with the mass of litter that is strewn across our streets, parks and countryside. Every bottle and can on the ground not only harms the environment and spoils the look of our towns and villages, it’s also a waste of valuable resources that could be recycled and used again.
“That is why I have made it my business to campaign on the issue and fully support the Government’s decision to introduce both the Deposit Return Scheme and Extended Producer Responsibility.”
Fiona Campbell, Biffa’s head of sustainability, added: “Waste crime blights communities, harms the environment, and undermines the legitimate waste sector and our efforts to move towards a circular economy. It’s vital we continue to work with residents, businesses and politicians at a local, regional and national level to have the right policies and enforcement in place to tackle these important issues.”
