Lib Dems call for more plastics to be recycled

12.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 18th Aug 2008

It is widely forecast in the press that the price of recyclable material, including most forms of plastic, is set to increase dramatically. For example The Times stated on 11 August that "With plastic processing advances in the coming months, yoghurt pots, bags, food packaging and any plastic containers will be even more sought after as manufacturers recycle plastic to avoid buying oil". The Liberal Democrats are therefore urging West Berkshire Council to consult with waste contractors Veolia as a matter of urgency with a view to increasing the range of plastics collected for recycling whenever it becomes practicable to do so.

The Lib Dems' spokesman on waste Management, Dr Royce Longton, Councillor for Burghfield, said:

"Many people have told me how disappointed they are that our new waste contract does not cover recycling of plastics other than bottles - even when the recycling collections are not missed! This is a tremendous waste of a valuable resource. I am urging the Council to consult with Veolia to ensure that the range of plastics collected for recycling is expanded as these markets develop."