Harlow Council has adopted the new Waste Strategy for Essex which will help reduce landfill waste and increase the amount of waste the town recycles and reuses.
The Waste Strategy for Essex is an ambitious plan for managing recycling and waste in the county for the next 30 years. Harlow Council officially adopted the new strategy at its Cabinet meeting on 12 September.
It sets out how the Essex Waste Partnership (EWP) will work together to reduce the impact on our environment from dealing with the things we throw away.
The strategy will not impact on the frequency of the bin collection and recycling services provided in Harlow. However, it will change where Harlow’s waste goes with a commitment to stop using landfill sites by 2030. It will see new services introduced like all residents in flat blocks having access to food waste recycling collections by 2026 and every household having access to recycling services for plastic film by 2027. The strategy will help ensure residents can reuse and recycle more, while keeping costs down and protecting the environment.
Essex County Council hosted a 10-week public consultation on behalf of the EWP in 2023. Over 4,500 people had their say on the draft Waste Strategy for Essex, and their feedback was used to develop a final version.
Councillor Nicky Purse, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability at Harlow Council, said:
“We’re pleased to join other councils in Essex Waste Partnership in adopting the Waste Strategy for Essex. This shows our commitment to providing our residents with high performing bin collections and recycling services, while also ensuring they are cost-effective.
“The new strategy will provide additional information and guidance to residents and local businesses on how to reduce waste, increase recycling, and reuse materials. It will make reuse and recycling services more accessible and extensive, supporting a circular economy where everything is reused and nothing is wasted.
“We all play a role in reducing landfill waste and this new strategy will help us work together to ensure a healthier environment and future for Harlow residents.”
Councillor Peter Schwier, Chairman of the Essex Waste Partnership, said:
“We’re pleased that Harlow Council has formally adopted the Waste Strategy for Essex.
“The other councils in the partnership will be taking decisions on adopting the strategy throughout the summer.
“The vision of the strategy is to rethink waste – by everyone working together, we will reduce waste and reuse and recycle more. This will protect the environment and save resources.”
To find out more information about the new Waste Strategy for Essex and how it will affect you, please visit www.loveessex.org/waste-strategy-essex.
Essex residents are also encouraged to follow @loveessexuk on social media for further updates and announcements.