Sunday, 1 July 2018

County Council and plastic pollution >>> "the Council will use its position and responsibility to raise awareness of the issues surrounding single-use plastics" >>> BUT the Council "does not hold information" on how its reprocessors deal with its plastic waste

The County Council is doing its bit, but could it do more when it comes to its responsibilities over plastic pollution?

Here are the County's declared policies when it comes to the handling of plastic for recycling at its Recycledevon website: 

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR RECYCLING?

Ever wonder where your recyling goes or what it becomes, after you've thrown it in your container or bank? Follow the trail below and find out below! 
Plastic
What happens: plastic is sorted into different grades and then sent to the correct reprocessor where it is turned into new plastic items such as bottles, fleeces and food containers.  
What happens to your Recycling? | Don't let Devon go to waste

A recent Freedom of Information request asked for clarification as to how exactly these plastics are dealt with by the 'reprocessors' - and half of the questions were answered with either:
> "Devon County Council does not hold this information"; or
> "Devon County Council do not have any systems in place"

Which is somewhat disappointing:
Reprocessing plastic | Access to Information
“Sending plastic to the correct reprocessor” - a Freedom of Information request to Devon County Council - WhatDoTheyKnow

This contrasts somewhat with the fanfare of how the County intends to reduce the amount of plastic it uses internally: 

New strategy to reduce plastic waste gets green light

Posted on: 13 June 2018
Devon County Council will phase out its use of the most polluting single-use plastic products within two years.
Members of the Council’s Cabinet voted unanimously to support the move, which is part of a new action plan to help cut the amount of single-use plastic waste in Devon.
The ‘Plastics Strategy’ outlines how various single-use plastic food and beverage packaging and tableware (such as cutlery and cups) will be removed from Council work locations by 2020.
It also summarises how the Council will use its position and responsibility to raise awareness of the issues surrounding single-use plastics and encourage and support collective action across the county.
New strategy to reduce plastic waste gets green light | News centre
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