Brent residents who do not recycle their household waste will face fines of up to £1,000  from next month.
A compulsory recycling scheme will be implemented throughout the borough on August 4, meaning all homes who have access to green boxes must use them - or could be hauled in front of the courts.
The controversial policy has had a mixed reaction since it was announced by the local authority last week and some opponents say the borough is not sufficiently prepared.
Councillor Anne John, leader of Brent's Labour party, believes it should not be rolled out until everyone has access to the green box - at the moment only 80 per cent of homes do.
She said: "I think it is a bit to early.
"There is not full coverage of boxes throughout the borough and there are also questions over what happens if residents' bins are stolen or lost."
Resident Colin Brown, 53, from Havenwood, Wembley also thinks it is too soon.
He said: "A lot of people don't know how to use their green bins properly and more education needs to be done before it is introduced."
Under the scheme residents must recycle paper, glass, metals, plastic bottles, textiles, shoes, batteries and engine oil - or face punishment.
They will be monitored by a team of eagle-eyed recycling officers who will report persistent eco-offenders.
Councillor Irvin Van Colle (Conservative), the council's lead member for environment, planning and culture, said: "This is about protecting the environment and cutting waste.
"Compulsory recycling is aimed at the minority who don't make any effort to use their green box at all."
Avid recycler Christine McKenzie, 66, of Chalkhill Road, Wembley, supports the move.
She said: "It is the right way to go and gets everybody on board, not just a few."
Brent currently sends around 81,000 tonnes of waste to landfill every year costing about £5 million in tax payers money. The local authority wants to cut this by 10,000 tonnes saving around £615,000.
A large-scale publicity drive will take place over the next month to ensure everyone is aware of the change.
Councillor Paul Lorber (Liberal Democrat), Leader of Brent Council, said: "For those few people who refuse to recycle the message is quite clear - you could receive a fixed penalty notice or a fine of up to £1,000."
To order a green box or find out more, local people should contact 020 8937 5050 or visit www.brent.gov.uk/recycling .