A Brent councillor turned dustman made an early start on the bin round in Cricklewood.

Cllr Roxanne Mashari, who represents Welsh Harp ward and is lead member for environment and neighbourhoods, said: “‘Going out on a refuse collection round was a real eye-opening experience.

“I really got to see the challenges faced by our teams first hand.

“What was striking was how much people throw away that could be recycled.

“The teams estimated that at least a further 60 per cent of household waste could be recycled which would save hundreds of thousands of pounds for Brent tax payers each year in landfill tax that the council currently pays.

“The round was challenging, physical work but I am proud to say that I managed to keep up with the team and was offered a job at the end of it.”

Cllr Mashari was joined by Sue Harper, director of environment and neighbourhoods, who spoke to residents about their experiences of the service on Friday morning.