Council's pledge to reduce single use plastics

The decision was taken at its Executive meeting on Thursday 18 October 2018. 

The initial focus will be on plastics use in two main areas of the Council’s business – its operations to deliver its services to residents and businesses, and its facilities, stationery and vending. It has committed to work with its suppliers to follow suit. 

The Council will also look to develop a rating system that highlights local businesses and organisations that are doing the most to reduce their plastic consumption and increase their recycling rates.

To support the drive, the Council plans to work with Surrey Waste Partnership to increase awareness among residents and businesses of the impact of single use plastics and the alternatives available.

Addressing the issue locally

Cllr Alex Horwood, Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services, said “Last year’s BBC television series The Blue Planet II graphically brought home the problems caused by plastics entering the worlds watercourses and oceans and the polluting impact it has on wildlife and our environment.

“This is an important issue for our communities, so we want to do all that we can to address the issue locally, starting with limiting our own use of single use plastics. I look forward to working with partners, residents and businesses across the borough to make a positive impact on the environment for future generations.

Doing all we can

Cllr Natalie Bramhall, Executive Member for Property and Assets, said: “We have already begun to reduce disposable plastics in our buildings, including the Town Hall, Earlswood Depot and the Harlequin Theatre. We’ve also met with key contractors to discuss how they can reduce their usage.

“To make sure we, and our partners and suppliers, are doing all we can to tackle this issue we are carrying out a thorough review of the plastics we use and will put together an action plan to reduce them, the results of which will be reported back to the Executive in due course.”