Following on from an enquiry from a resident the Greens have asked that the council look into plastic bag recycling

At the moment, the Council does not have a specific policy on plastic bags. Following the request, they have asked their waste disposal contractor (WRG) about the feasibility of providing collection points for bags.

The major sticking point is about finding an outlet for the material, and the space implications of having to store a material with such a high volume. They would like to start collecting, but without an outlet can’t. The re3 Waste minimisation team have started contacting a few local supermarkets to see if they can work in partnership with them.

Green Party campaigner Rob White, who at the last local elections was just 20 votes from becoming Reading's first Green councillor in Park Ward, said: "It is great that the Council are looking into this. A resident raised this with me while I was out doorknocking. She reasoned that if supermarkets locally could find an outlet for plastic banks then why couldn't the Council."

"Quite often people take their recycling to Palmer Park for example in a plastic bag put their bottles in the bottle bank, but then have to throw away the plastic bag. It would be great if at each recycling point there was a plastic bag collection container."

"Obviously it would be best if people reused their plastic bags and we are pushing for this too."

ENDS

Notes for the Editor

1. For more information please contact Rob White on 07985 923938 or 0118 9667183.
2. Green Park Ward candidate Rob White polled 994, and came within 20 votes of becoming Reading's first Green councillor at the last local elections in Reading. At the last general election he stood in Reading East and increased the Green vote by over 50% polling 1548.

Printed and promoted by Robert White, 22 Cumberland Rd, Reading, RG1 3LB. Both on behalf of Reading Green Party.