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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Notting Hill Carnival: 300 tonnes of rubbish and skip full of gas cannisters cleaned up

Hundreds of cleaners cleared up more than around 300 tonnes of rubbish overnight following Notting Hill Carnival.

Thousands of revellers filled west London for the two-day event on bank holiday Sunday and Monday, leaving behind litter weighing the equivalent of around 25 London buses.

Kensington & Chelsea council said its army of cleaners and 30 refuse trucks worked through the night to ensure the roads were clean on Tuesday morning.

Among the litter cleared away were enough laughing gas canisters to fill an entire skip.

Around 30 per cent of the litter will be recycled.

The council’s Lead Member for Culture, Leisure and Community Safety, Cllr Emma Will said: “It’s truly satisfying to witness the success of Carnival and the incredible efforts that went into its smooth operation.

A skip-load of laughing gas canisters was cleared up (Kensington and Chelsea Council)

“Undoubtedly, the most significant task for our crews is the cleanup.

“While Carnival beautifully represents our diverse and multicultural community, our aim is to swiftly bring the streets back to their regular state, causing as little disruption as possible.

“A heartfelt appreciation goes out to the SUEZ waste collection teams and all those who put in their nighttime hours to make this restoration possible.

“With 30 per cent of the waste being recycled and the use of chemical-free, waterless toilets, we’re committed to making Carnival greener in any way we can.”

(Kensington and Chelsea Council)

Costumed revellers paraded through the streets of west London on Monday, marking the climax of Europe’s largest street party.

Thousands took part in an exuberant adult parade as part of the annual celebration of Caribbean culture and history.

People were partying atop floats followed by drummers and feathered mas bands dancing to the beat, while stilt walkers strutted around and sound systems played everything from rare groove to house, samba, reggae and ska.

While the vast majority of the event took place peacefully, a spate of stabbing incidents at this year’s carnival left two men were in hospital as it came to a close, the Metropolitan Police said. There were 275 arrests across Sunday and Monday.

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