Efforts to drastically reduce the use of single-use plastic and cut the amount of unnecessary waste it produces have been announced by Derbyshire County Council.

Following Cabinet approval for the new approach, work will be undertaken to, where possible, eliminate the use of single-use plastics in DCC buildings and services, including any events held on council premises or council-owned land.

Suppliers will be urged to minimise their use of such items and encouraged to provide sustainable alternatives.

The county council say it will also raise awareness around the issues of disposing of plastic properly to reduce the negative impact on wildlife, the environment and health.

Help will continue to be provided to local communities and businesses to share best practice, support and promote positive initiatives, campaigns and actions for reducing waste.

The council’s commitment is part of its drive to reduce emissions generated by DCC to net-zero by 2032 or sooner and help the rest of Derbyshire reduce carbon emissions generated within the county to net zero by 2050 or sooner. 

Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis said: “Derbyshire County Council is leading a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reduce carbon emissions generated in Derbyshire to help meet ambitious targets needed to tackle climate change.

“And reducing demand for carbon-emitting processes used in plastic production is a step forward on our journey to net zero carbon emissions.

“But reducing the amount of carbon emissions generated in Derbyshire isn’t something the county council can do on its own. We need everyone to play a part.

“It’s a big challenge but the benefits are massive. Changes we make now will help global issues like protecting our marine life from rising sea temperatures and local issues too like preventing recent extreme weather events from happening more regularly.”

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