Kent recycling

Kent Green Party is urging that all local councils in Kent and Medway step up their recycling as a contribution to regeneration. Stuart Jeffery, Chair of Kent Green Party, explains:

"It has always been evident that re-use and recycling can contribute long-term sustainable jobs in every part of Kent and Medway. But there are enormous variations in what local councils collect from homes and businesses (1) with Kent featuring very badly in the league tables. Councils must adopt a higher minimum standard everywhere which means collecting glass, paper, cardboard, tins, garden waste, plastic and food waste. Wye has had this service for years and this approach is consistent with the Zero Waste concept, which is currently being considered by Government in the draft Carbon Plan currently out to consultation.

"Despite Wye having a model service, Ashford has the lowest recycling rates in the country with just 15% of its household waste being recycled (1). This is shameful.

"Plastics recycling is controversial. Clearly, it would be better if packaging was reduced or achieved without the use of oil-based plastics which are now expensive(2). But, recognising that such plastic use may continue for some time and that plant-based plastics may be more widely used for some purposes, we need to improve facilities for the collection of plastics(3).

"Councils also need to encourage re-use. Used furniture is always in demand but facilities for re-use vary. The freecycle network needs to be promoted as does giving to charity shops.

Spelman increases waste by scrapping fines

Almost got to debate this with Caroline Spelman on Radio 5 Live this morning, but a technical hitch scuppered it.

She has announced that the ability of councils to fine residents for poor waste disposal (putting waste in the wrong bins etc.) is to be scrapped and I'm sure this will be popular among many, but there are three good reasons why the ability to fine is needed.

Firstly, to change behaviour, both carrots and sticks are needed. The carrots are in place (additional bins and roadside collections) and these make it easier to get waste down. There is more to do, specifically tackling packaging and ensuring a full range recyclables are collected, but having a stick in the form of a fine even if rarely used, is needed to move us towards zero waste.

Secondly, poor waste handling will increase costs for local councils. Increasing the costs for councils will mean less money for other services and therefore even more cuts.

Thirdly, what happened to local democracy and devolved powers? Rhetoric about devolved powers seem to be yet more hot air. If the Tories and Lib Dems were really serious about this, they would not be removing the powers through a top down decision.

Shopping vouchers for recycling

They just don't get it do they? The idea that Zac Goldsmith would teach them to be green was bonkers from the outset but this piece in the Indy just shows that they have no insight into green thinking at all.

Giving households vouchers to spend in shops as a reward for recycling lots is simply wrong with a capital R. We need to reduce waste primarily and only recycle what we can't avoid or reuse. Recycling is way down the 4 Rs of waste management.

Getting people to buy more will just increase consumption. Get people to buy less, but buy more wisely and buy items of better quality is the answer.