First Mile: Protecting the environment while cutting costs

Through our partnership with First Mile, we have supported over 100 businesses to improve their environmental impact and save costs, through effective recycling.

Over the past year we have:

• increased our recycling rate from 59.65% to 61.15%, which is higher than London's 48% average non-household recycling rate (source)
• recycled 949 tonnes, 424 tonnes more than last year
• recycled 226 tonnes of food, 94 tonnes more than last year
• avoided 1,461 tonnes of CO2 emissions, 622 tonnes more than last year
• saved 8,719 trees through paper recycling, 4,048 more than last year
• generated 390,622 kWh of energy through non-recyclable waste, 154,908 kWh more than last year

(Period: 1 June 2025-31 May 2026 vs 1 June 2024-31 May 2025)

Together with First Mile, we provide businesses with exclusive discounted rates, a price match promise, zero-to-landfill waste services, recycling reviews and ongoing guidance to improve recycling rates and reduce costs. 

The more businesses benefitting from this scheme, the greater the environmental benefit to Fitzrovia. With up to three waste collections daily, First Mile can consolidate collections and reduce the number of waste vehicles on the local streets, helping to cut congestion and emissions.

This work directly supports our aim to create a more environmentally sustainable and resilient district through meaningful collective action. 

We're currently offering a limited number of free waste audits to our members. You don't need to be an existing First Mile customer to take part and you will gain a detailed review of your waste and recycling practices, helping to:

• improve recycling rates
• identify opportunities to reduce waste management costs
• ensure compliance with Simpler Recycling legislation
• provide tailored recommendations