Tower Hamlets Council has joined the ROMULUS (Reuse Of Materials Using Local Unitary Stakeholders) pilot scheme, expanding a sustainable initiative originally launched in the City of London. The scheme functions as a digital reuse marketplace—similar to an online auction—where surplus but still-serviceable building materials, such as reclaimed bricks, kitchen units, and bathroom suites, can be bought or sold.
By integrating this pilot within council-owned sites—ranging from schools to offices—Tower Hamlets aims to dramatically cut construction waste, accelerate carbon reduction, and foster a circular economy. Cllr Shafi Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment and the Climate Emergency, said the initiative aligns closely with the council’s sustainability goals and supports the creation of green jobs and enhanced community involvement.
James Adams, Director of Maconda Solutions—the recycling consultancy behind ROMULUS—remarked that the council’s participation is a significant leap toward establishing London as the “world’s circular capital,” bolstered by collaborative research partnerships and digital innovations