An in-house single use plastics audit to identify reusable alternatives will be carried out at Cotswold District Council.

The council are looking to cut out plastic items such as plastic cups and refuse sacks while they also plan to apply the same considerations when engaging suppliers and contractors.

An in-house audit, was discussed at the council cabinet meeting on Thursday, May 17 when members agreed a Motion – submitted by Cllr Ray Brassington (Four Acres) to encourage a reduction in plastic waste and, specifically, single use plastics within the Council.

Cllr Sue Coakley (CDC Cabinet Member for the Environment) noted that residents in the Cotswolds were already at the forefront of good recycling practice, achieving the highest rates across Gloucestershire and anticipates a good reception to a forthcoming district-wide waste and recycling service review which will help to reinforce the importance of waste minimisation, including advice to the public about ways to avoid single use plastic.

Cllr Coakley, also chair of the Gloucestershire Joint Waste Committee said: "The Waste Committee has always been fully committed to reducing all unnecessary waste, including many single use plastics, and promotes seasonal events encouraging people to reduce, reuse and recycle.

"I will ensure that we continue with these efforts and take every opportunity to educate people about the need to find practical alternatives to single use plastics, or to recycle when their use cannot be avoided.

"Across the country, manufacturers and retailers are waking up to the dangers to our planet caused by single use plastic thanks to calls from the government, and we are pleased to hear that Gloucestershire County Council and Cirencester Town Council recently committed to a crackdown on their use."

Cllr Brassington added: "I welcome every effort to eliminate single use plastics and I am pleased that this motion was so warmly welcomed. People are becoming more conscious about the global harm caused by the unnecessary accumulation of many forms of plastic waste. This Motion is a small step towards tackling this crisis but if others follow our lead we can generate a much wider response which will be a real force for good."