Single Use Plastics policy

Single Use Plastics (SUPs), often referred to as disposable plastics, are commonly used for packaging and are intended to be used only once before they are thrown away. They include food packaging, bottles, straws, containers, cups, cutlery and grocery bags. 

SUP is often avoidable when a reusable or recyclable alternative could have been used.

The challenge of SUPs

SUPs used on the go are often the most littered, creating an environmental pollutant and reducing the possibility of managing their end of life effectively.

The United Nations Environment Programme revealed that only 9% of the nine billion tonnes of plastic the world has ever produced has been recycled.

Aims of Elmbridge’s Single Use Plastic policy

The aims of this policy are to reduce, and remove where possible, the use of Single Use Plastic from the council’s operations and services.

The policy also provides the framework for collaborative work with suppliers, contractors, residents, communities, schools and businesses to find positive answers to reduce plastic use in Elmbridge. 

Refer to the policy to find out about our objectives and commitments:

Monitoring

The SUP Policy will be monitored quarterly in line with our climate change plans.