WASTE PREVENTION
With landfill sites filling up and the direct link between waste and climate change, it is increasingly important to reduce the amount of waste we produce in all Council activities and through Council policy.
Current activities:
- running a successful kerbside household collection service and a comprehensive network of community recycling facilities. Recycling rates have increased from 13% in 2003 to 38% in 2007/08.
- introducing recycling in our leisure venues, with bins for cans and plastic bottles.
- planning policies ensure that new developments make provision for recycling.
- working with contractors to minimise construction waste by using Site Waste Management Plans in our own development.
- our office waste minimisation scheme has a resulted in a 17% reduction in the amount of waste going to landfill from the Council’s main offices.
- running a scheme that provides second-hand furniture/white goods to the voluntary sector.
- liaising between the supermarkets and voluntary organisations so that products that would otherwise be thrown away are used.
Future Actions:
| Initiative | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 years: | |
| New expanded mixed dry recycling scheme | Introduce a new waste collection service for households which will increase items that can be recycled and reduce the need to separate waste |
| Business Recycling Scheme | Trial a new recycling scheme for businesses in the District |
| On-street Recycling scheme | Provide recycling bins to collect plastic bottles and cans in Horsham town centre |
| 2 to 5 years: | |
| In-house waste minimisation scheme | Ensure improved provision of recycling facilities through the office accommodation review |
| New County Waste Treatment Plant | Work with the County Council over the potential development of a new waste treatment plant which will reduce waste to landfill and provide a potential source of fuel |