The clean-up operation by Westminster City Council, in partnership with Veolia, had 170 staff and 30 vehicles poised ready to clear the waste left behind by carnival-goers in time for the morning commute on Tuesday.
Ten tonnes of waste was recycled and the remaining waste was converted into green energy and sent to the National Grid and then on to power and heat local homes within London.
It is estimated that somewhere in the region of 20,000 kWh of heat and 100,000 kWh of electricity was produced. That’s enough for 80,000 hot showers or to make 700,000 cups of tea.
The recycling and waste collected from this year’s carnival was mainly plastic bottles, beer cans and food packaging a long with additional props used by carnival-celebrators including sequins, inflatables, costume parts and much more.
The council offered a free cleaning service to front gardens and basements of households along the carnival’s route to remove litter dropped by partygoers. Over 150 brooms and shovels were used by a team of sweepers over 100 streets.
Councillor David Harvey, Westminster City Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Sports and Community said: “While the clean-up operation represents a logistical challenge, our Council officers and Veolia have done us proud. The transformation is staggering and I know our residents and visitors appreciate their dedication. It is hard to imagine that only yesterday our streets were lined people celebrating Europe’s biggest street festival.”
Helder Branco, Senior Contract Manager for Veolia in Westminster added: “While the clean-up following Notting Hill Carnival represents a sizeable challenge, it’s one we relish because it’s a real team effort. We deal with the waste in the most sustainable way possible and are pleased to be able to use it to power and heat local homes.”