Reducing plastic waste for Plastic Free July

Today marks the start of Plastic Free July, a month dedicated to reducing plastic waste around the world. The global movement was launched in 2011 by the Plastic Free Foundation to work towards the shared vision of a plastic-free future.  

Tackling plastic waste is an important part of the solution to the climate and biodiversity crisis. Plastic production and burning plastic that cannot be recycled produces harmful greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. If plastic production continues at current levels, it’s estimated that these emissions will jeopardize attempts to keep global temperature rise below 1.5°C.  

Learn more about activities and initiatives taking place across the city to reduce plastic waste and pollution below.  

Circular Economy 

We recently launched our Circular Economy Routemap and Action Plan to help Brighton & Hove transition from a ‘take, make, consume and throw-away’ society and towards one that minimises waste and pollution, keeps products and materials in use for as long as possible and supports the regeneration and protection of natural resources.  

Recycling A to Z 

We’ve created an A to Z guide on how you can reduce, reuse, recycle or dispose of almost 180 different materials. This includes advice around plastic waste, including plastic bottles, carrier bags, food containers and toys.  

Drinking water stations 

Free drinking water refill stations and fountains have been installed across the city to minimise reliance on single-use plastic water bottles. The units can be found at Hove Lawns, Hove Lagoon skate park, Churchill Square, on the plaza at the entrance to the Palace Pier, in front of Hove Town Hall, and outside Brighton Station.  

Tech-Takeback 

Tech-Takeback have helped save over 30 tonnes of older electrical plastic items from going to landfill through the opening of the Revaluit store on North Street earlier this year. The not-for-profit, which is supported by the council, collects donations of unwanted items, refurbishing and repairing them before reselling on a pay-what-you-can basis.  

Tips and advice 

Brighton & Hove Food Partnership have created a list of tips to reduce unnecessary plastic waste. 

  • Buy fresh produce from a local greengrocer or market, or join a local veg box scheme 

  • Use refill stations for loose dry food, cleaning products and toiletries 

  • Bring Your Own – water bottle, carrier bag, coffee cup, lunchbox, straw, cutlery 

  • Ask your preferred shop/café/canteen/takeaway/bar to stop serving up plastic 

  • Recycle plastics that can’t go in your fortnightly collection at The Green Centre or use services like Magpie. 

You can find a list of local shops with refill stations and plastic-free goods on Brighton & Hove Food Partnership’s website. The organisation has also shared details of schemes and campaigns to help you reduce plastic, such as Refill and Plastic Free Pledge.  

Visit Plastic Free July’s website to learn more about the various ways you can reduce your own plastic footprint.  

Eliminating plastic waste 

Councillor Amy Heley, Co-Chair, Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee, said: “Tackling plastic waste is an important part of addressing the climate and biodiversity crisis, and we hope that residents across the city take this opportunity to better understand their plastic footprint and the actions that they can take to reduce this.   

“There’s a great deal of work taking place throughout Brighton & Hove to minimise our consumption of single-use plastic. From new drinking water fountains in public spaces to the launch of our Circular Economy Routemap and Action Plan, our efforts will help to eliminate unnecessary plastic waste in the city.   

“In 2021, we launched our Carbon Neutral 2030 programme in response to the climate and biodiversity emergency. This ambitious and necessary plan outlines our journey to a more sustainable future for Brighton & Hove. 

“However, there is much more we need to do overcome our reliance on single-use plastics, and this requires a collaborative approach – between the council, local businesses and organisations, and the public.” 

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