‘Quick wins’ sought in the move away from single-use plastic

All Fife Council staff have been urged to support a move to eliminate single-use plastic across the local authority.

The region’s environment, protective services and community safety committee yesterday pledged to set up a cross-council working group to look at the issue.

Members also formally supported plans to remove plastic cutlery, cups and straws from council use over the coming years.

Robin Baird of Fife Resource Solutions, the council’s arms length waste disposal company, said achieving the goal would be “exceptionally challenging”.

A report highlighting progress is expected in February.

“When you start opening the layers and layers of plastic use, the complexity of this project cannot be underestimated,” he said.

“I think plastic is so ingrained in everyday life that it’s going to be difficult, but we need to see where we can get some quick wins in this area.”

Following a suggestion from Inverkeithing councillor David Barratt, council departments have been tasked with trying to compile a register detailing what plastics are used and what progress is being made in switching to alternatives.

Everything is up for scrutiny, with the main single-use items across the council including plastic cups, bottles, coffee cup lids, plastic cutlery and various food containers.

Other items range from milk cartons with plastic straws and portions of spread or sauce to bin bags, aprons and even cable ties used by the transportation service.

The council’s procurement service will also be involved in sourcing and supplying alternatives.

“If you can have a consistent type of plastic that you purchase, it makes the recycling of it 1,000 times easier,” Mr Baird added.

Committee chairman SNP councillor Ross Vettraino said: “When we started looking at this issue, I never thought we would be talking about cable ties.

“I don’t imagine for one minute it will be the main focus, but they are there nevertheless and it shows all aspects are being looked at. If we can find alternatives, we will,” he added.