Nottinghamshire County Council's pledge to reduce single-use plastics

Nottinghamshire County Council has continued its pledge to reduce single-use plastics (SUP).

Developments are underway for a new corporate environment strategy to eliminate the county's reliance on single-use and disposable plastics.

In March 2018, the county council agreed on the scheme and since then a number of changes have been made, particularly across council catering outlets.

Nottinghamshire County Council said approximately 95% of all county waste collected is diverted from landfill, with the majority or residual waste sent for energy recovery.

Veolia, the county's waste contractors, have duty of care audit trails on all waste handled, ensuring that no plastic or other waste is released into the environment.

Now, the county hope to take the scheme a step further by offering biodegradable take-away cutlery and cartons, recyclable salad boxes and wooden stirrers by the end of 2019.

"As a local authority we are committed to reducing single use plastic. We buy products and services locally and want to encourage our supply chain and other public bodies to make a similar commitment," said John Cottee, county council chairman for the communities and place committee.

The introduction of reusable coffee cups across council building canteens has also resulted in a 13,000 cup and lid reduction over the year.

As well as this, water machines in staff areas no longer offer plastic cups ­— which the council said will cut its annual usage by 40,000.

Mr Cottee said: "The dangers of single-use plastic to our environment, especially our oceans, is a global concern. But small changes can make a real difference.

"Our residents actively recycle single-use plastics and we will continue to work closely with Veolia, our waste contractors, to try and maximise the amount of plastic and other materials which can be recycled in the county.

"We are currently developing a new corporate environment strategy with the intention of setting a carbon neutral target date for Nottinghamshire County Council.

"This commitment will be integrated into our four-year plan ‘Your Nottinghamshire, Your Future’, with a strategy to be approved and implemented by summer 2020."

To find out more about recycling in your local area visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/recycling.

READ MORE:

Developer's donation to children's charity

Second stage of £38k flood reduction scheme set to start

COURT: Theft, uninsured drivers and cannabis possession