Innovative solutions in the Green Manifesto make the case that plastic waste can be turned around in Brighton & Hove.
Green Party candidates have emphasised that they have a plan to push back against excessive plastic waste in Brighton & Hove. Recycling rates were at 30.1% last year, which the Greens are confident they can improve on via bold, innovative policies that they are determined to see through.
Plastic Waste is a national issue. Although Brighton & Hove’s figures look worse than many others, the council stresses that a large number of authorities, particularly district councils who are only responsible for the collection, will say they recycle higher amounts, when independent research has shown much less is actually recycled and much is shipped overseas for landfill or burning.
In their time leading the council, the Greens have already renegotiated the council’s recycling contract with Veolia in order to challenge restrictions over what items can be collected. These negotiations were successful, meaning there is now the collection of hard plastics at waste sites. Greens are now looking to expand how residents can make the most of this, by extending opportunities for residents to recycle by moving to weekly recycling collections. Alongside food waste collections, general waste collections will become increasingly less needed, moving to a fortnightly collection schedule. This mirrors changes made by the majority of councils over the last decade, including neighbouring councils within Sussex, which have consistently led to improved recycling rates. Greens plan to continue exploring ways of collecting additional materials to further reduce the amount of residual waste.
This is not the only way that Green Party candidates are planning to challenge plastic waste in the city. Having introduced 6 water refill points, they have pledged to introduce more water refill points across the city; with water more easily accessible, bottles can be reused with greater convenience.
Sophie Broadbent, Green Party candidate for Patcham & Hollingbury ward, said:
“We need to fix the plastic waste issue; as we wish to improve the national economy, creating more circular economies where resources are given new life is better for the planet and better for our finances.
“With our plan to facilitate waste reduction and recycling across the city, from weekly collections to water refill points we know it is achievable to turn the tide and fight back against unnecessary waste.
“Over the last few years Labour and Conservative councillors have consistently blocked us making vital progress to sort out plastic waste. To make our plans a reality, we need Green councillors. To have Green councillors, we need your vote.”