Council to explore ways to reduce plastic waste
Following a motion put forward by Rugby Liberal Democrat Councillors Tim Douglas and Noreen New, Rugby Borough Council's Scrutiny Committee will now look at how the Council can reduce plastic waste.
Each year 400 million tonnes of plastic is produced and 40% of it is single-use, meaning it is only used once before being thrown away. More than eight million tonnes of plastic enters the world's seas each year, with most of that coming from land. The television series Blue Planet II highlighted the damaging impact that single-use plastic is having on the world's oceans.
The motion said:
Rugby Borough Council's new Corporate Priorities include "continue to improve the efficiency of our waste and recycling services". In light of the recent trends to tackle the reduction in plastics and a drive that includes improving the quality of the dry recycling bins along with maximizing the amount of household waste that is reprocessed.
The Council should seek to
1. Lead the way by undertaking an audit, within existing resources, of single use plastics used by the Authority and seek to replace with sustainable or reusable alternatives where practicable.
2. Work in greater partnership with local environmental groups and engage with local businesses and residents to help educate about plastic waste.
3. Adopt the ambition as outlined by the Waste and Resources Action Programme known as WRAP to reduce plastic waste.
Commenting, Councillor Tim Douglas (Paddox Ward), said:
"The more plastic we recycle, the more that can be re-used, reducing the amount that will end up as litter in our town, in the UK's oceans and in landfill. Retail and government are important, the issue won't be solved overnight, but we can do our bit. We should be championing this issue locally. I hope the Council will take on board the principles in this motion and work to implement them."
Councillor Noreen New (Paddox Ward), added
"Some local authorities are installing drinking fountains in public buildings for people to refill their empty water bottles. We could consider installing them in the library, sports centre and Town Hall, to help reduce the quantity of empty bottles going to landfill."
Minutes and Agenda from 27 Feb 2018