Mark Griffin

Head of Waste Strategy, London Borough of Hackney

Mark Griffin played a key role in Hackney's rise in recycling from 1% in 2001/02 to 23% in 2007/08. Mark also led on Hackney becoming the second local authority, and first inner city location, to adopt compulsory recycling. Mark led the successful Street Leaders scheme - inspiring and encouraging residents to be ambassadors for recycling. All this in a borough suffers severe overcrowding and where 25% of residents don't have English as a first language. Mark has driven the importance of local environmental quality (LEQ) for the community by achieving major success by working in partnership - the level of unacceptable litter on our streets was reduced from 36% in 2005/06 to 19% in 2008/9. This was completed without additional resources, instead using mapping and intelligence and working with Waste Services, local housing organisations, businesses and residents. Mark is now building on this and taking forward an ambitious and innovative Ward Improvement Programme. Mark has also built up a well respected team, both internally and externally - advising New York City on recycling in an urban environment.