Single use plastics strategy agreed by Council cabinet

Oldham Council becoming single use plastic free has moved a step closer to reality with the news that the cabinet’s agreed proposals aimed at cutting the amount used across the borough.

Last night (Monday) councillors agreed the Single-Use Plastics Strategy 2019-2022, which will be adopted by the local authority.

The strategy outlines how councillors and officers will work together to adopt a number of new practices and measures.

These include stopping the sale and provision of single use plastic products such as bottles, cups, cutlery and drinking straws in council buildings, or council supported venues, wherever possible.

Oldham Council will be working with partners, community groups and schools to challenge them to make a similar commitment. 

They are also supporting Greater Manchester wide initiatives - for example the promotion of pubs and clubs to use paper straws with the Manchester Bee emblem on them.

Councillor Arooj Shah, Deputy Leader of Oldham Council and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods Services, said: “The issue of single-use plastics and how to reduce, reuse and recycle them has been a big part of the authority’s work around waste reduction for many years.

“In 2010 we were first local authority in the country to introduce dual use compostable bags, which can be used first for your shopping and then your waste.

"They are now being used across the country.

“The impact of plastic pollution has now become a much-debated topic with high levels of public interest.

“This new strategy isn’t just about the council – everyone can do your bit to reduce the amount of single use plastics that are consumed in the borough.

"Even if it’s something simple like buying a reusable drinking bottle and filing that rather than buying a new bottle one every day.

"This way you are helping the environment and saving money.

“If we all work together then hopefully we can make a difference.”

The Single Use Plastics Strategy is part of the council’s Green Oldham campaign – an initiative to promote and celebrate the borough’s natural environment, showcasing the very best in green spaces, wildlife and environmental initiatives.

The aim is to help residents to find out how to make the most of the fantastic green areas that surround the town, enjoy local outdoor events and encourage organisations to make environmentally conscious choices.

For more information visit: www.oldham.gov.uk/greenoldham  #GreenOldham

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.