Request ID: FOI-2770-2223 Date published: 20 February 2023
You asked
Dear TfL FOI Team,
I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. I would like to know the following:
1. How many bins are there in total within the London Underground network?
2. Is it possible to have a breakdown per station?
3. How does TfL go about deciding the number of bins a station may have and where they may be located?
4. What factors are considered when making these decisions, e.g. cleaning cycles, maintenance, safety and security?
5. In the past TfL has tried split recycling bins, is this going to be continued or are other initiatives being investigated to promote sustainability on the Tube?
I would be grateful if you could confirm that you have received this request and let me know the reference number of my request.
We answered
TfL Ref: 2770-2223
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 27 January 2023 asking for information about waste bins on the tube network.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require. Your questions and our replies are as follows:
How many bins are there in total within the London Underground network?
There are 1231 bins in total across our London Underground network (correct as at 8 February 2023).
Is it possible to have a breakdown per station?
The breakdown by station is attached.
How does TfL go about deciding the number of bins a station may have and where they may be located?
What factors are considered when making these decisions, e.g. cleaning cycles, maintenance, safety and security?
The locations and numbers of bins are based on a number of factors including safety and security, customer flow, accessibility needs, our existing cleaning regime, the work required to maintain them, known customer behaviour, the type of stores in the area (if we have lots of fast food restaurants nearby) and the availability of alternative bins in the immediate area outside the station.
In the past TfL has tried split recycling bins, is this going to be continued or are other initiatives being investigated to promote sustainability on the Tube?
Work is on-going to improve recycling rates at stations and across London Underground sites in the future to reduce land fill waste. Station waste is recycled wherever possible.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely
Sara Thomas FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
