From waste to resource

We asked you about your views on the aims and ambitions set out in the draft strategy and the concepts of reduce, reuse, recycle. 

The majority of you that responded to the survey supported all strategy aims (83%-95% agreed or strongly agreed with each of the aims) .The general messages were also mirrored in the focus group discussions.

The key messages included:

• Some of the aims (e.g. aims 2, 3 and 4) should be more aspirational and seek to achieve much more than currently stated.
• Some of the aims should be made clearer, meaning not only more information about the aims but how they might be achieved.
• There should be an increase in and more regular communications, engagement and education regarding waste management.
• While some examples of practical ways to reduce and reuse waste, generally, people found it harder to engage with the concept of ‘reduce’ and ‘reuse’. The general perception was that greater responsibility lies with retailers and business and residents are somewhat limited in what they can do.
• Recycling is generally accepted and viewed as a responsibility that all residents should share.
• There is a desire to be able to recycle a wider range of items, particularly food waste. However, some had concerns, which included attracting vermin, the waste producing bad smells and the recycling process becoming more complicated.
• There was also a call for an increase in meaningful and effective communication about waste services and the three concepts, and for this to happen more regularly.

The responses to the public consultation being carried out over the four weeks from 29 June 2016 - 31 July 2016 will help shape the final Waste Strategy.