The Climate Emergency Officer introduced the report of the Director of Neighbourhood Services which reviewed the effectiveness of the Council’s 2018 ‘Single Use Plastic’ policy. An internal audit of all Council buildings currently in use had been undertaken to identify any single use plastics used and procured by the Council. The findings of the audit found a range of Single Use Plastic items being used.

The report enabled the Council to commit to embed Single Use Plastic reduction into the Council’s procurement practices. This would involve working with suppliers to provide alternatives to Single Use Plastic products and raise awareness of Council staff and the wider borough surrounding the dangers single use plastics have to health and the local environment.

In response to Member queries, the Climate Emergency Officer confirmed that some vending machines did have plastic water bottles, but that work was being undertaken with procurement to correct this. The Climate Emergency Officer explained that vending machines with plastic toys had also been identified and that the duty managers of leisure centres where they were located had agreed for them to be removed.

Resolved – That

(1)   the findings of the Wirral Council ‘Single Use Plastic’ audit be noted.

(2)  the updated Single Use Plastic Policy be approved.