The Cabinet gave consideration to a report of the Principal Policy Officer with regards to the draft Strategy that responded to a motion to the Council on single-use plastics.
At its meeting on 28th March 2018, the Council had received a motion in relation to the elimination of single-use plastic materials to achieve a significant reduction in plastic waste. The Council had resolved to ask the Cabinet to:
· Develop a robust strategy to make Oldham a ‘single-use plastic-free’ authority by the end of 2018 and encourage the Borough’s institutions, businesses and citizens to adopt similar measures;
· End 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; promoting the use of non-plastic recyclable alternatives e.g.paper straws to ensure our venues remain accessible to those with additional needs.
· Encourage traders across the Borough to sell re-usable containers and invite customers to bring their own.
· Consider the merits and practicalities of introducing a ‘window sticker’ scheme to accredit local businesses that are committed to reducing plastic waste through, for example, offering free water bottle refills.
· Investigate the possibility of requiring pop-up food and drink vendors at council supported events to avoid single use plastics as a condition of their contract; with a view to phasing out all single use plastics at markets and events in the Borough by the end of 2018.
· Work with tenants in commercial properties owned by Oldham Council to encourage them to phase out single use plastic cups, bottles, cutlery and straws.
Members noted that the Council had already been considering how to reduce plastic waste and there was an opportunity to lead by example. The report set out the draft strategy and supporting action plan to address the Council motion.
Four objectives had been identified:-
a) Reduce Council use of single use plastics
b) Engage strategic partners and businesses
c) Engage schools and community groups
d) Engage residents
The Action Plan had actions for each of these objectives, including specific actions on communications for each objective, which formed an overall communications plan.
Members noted that the strategy highlighted the existence of replacement products for those that would cease to be available from 2020. It was recognised that these may be more expensive initially and there would be a need to keep up to date with new products as they came on the market.
The Cabinet noted that small lifestyle changes by everyone could make a significant difference in the amount of plastic re-used and recycled.
Options/Alternatives considered:
Option 1 – Recommend to Council the implementation of the Single-Use Plastics Strategy 2019-2022.
Option 2 – Do not recommend to Council the implementation of the Single-Use Plastics Strategy 2019-2022.
RESOLVED - That the Single-Use Plastics Strategy 2019-2022 be recommended to the Council for approval.