A West Lancs Conservative councillor wants to make it even easier for residents to recycle - and is now seeking cross-party support.
Cllr Paul Greenall, who represents Derby Ward and is the Conservative group street scene spokesman, is to raise the issue at this week's Full Council meeting.He will lead a debate on a motion which asks the Joint Managing Directors to write to the Leader and Chief Executive of Lancashire County Council, urging them to undertake a review of its waste reprocessing operations.
Cllr Greenall said: " In West Lancashire, the borough council is the collection authority but the responsibility for disposal rests with Lancashire County Council. This means that when it comes to deciding what can and can't be collected at the kerbside, it is down to the county council."
"Currently, only a limited amount of materials can be recycled. But we want the county council to look at allowing us to collect items such as yoghurt, margarine and butter cartons, as well as others such as Tetra Pack."
"Also, currently we are under instruction not to allow residents to put paper and cardboard in the blue bin. We think that by allowing this, not only would it be easier for residents, but I suspect also boost recycling rates further."
"I hope to receive cross-party support for this - it's about making it as easy as possible for West Lancashire residents to do their bit for the environment."
The wording of Cllr Greenall's motion is as follows:This Council asks the Joint Managing Directors to write to the Leader and Chief Executive of Lancashire County Council urging them to undertake a review of its waste reprocessing operations in order that the residents of West Lancashire can recycle more material and reduce the amount they present in their grey bins. For example:a) expand plastic recycling to include yoghurt, margarine and butter cartons, b) explore other items that may be included in the blue bin (e.g. tetra pack) and c) continue to improve the process technologies to divert more material and simplify the system for public use, such as exploring the potential of including paper/card in the blue bin.
Cllr David Westley, leader of the Conservative group on West Lancashire Borough Council, added: "Recycling rates in West Lancashire have risen dramatically in the past 10 years. But we want to go further so I support Cllr Greenall's call to the county council."
The full council meeting takes place on Wednesday, October 15, at the Borough Council offices in Derby Street, Ormskirk.