Residents across the borough are being encouraged to take part in Plastic Free July and make simple swaps to reduce single-use plastic waste and help protect the environment.

Plastic Free July is a global movement that inspires millions of people to reduce plastic waste through everyday actions, creating cleaner streets, healthier rivers and oceans and greener communities.

Throughout July, residents are invited to make a pledge to refuse single-use plastics and consider simple changes that can have a lasting impact.

Councillor Adam Duce, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, said:

"Plastic Free July is a fantastic opportunity for all of us to take a closer look at the small changes we can make in our daily lives. As a council, we are committed to making the borough a greener, healthier, and more sustainable place to live but we can all, as individuals, make a difference.

“Whether it's carrying a reusable water bottle, choosing products with less packaging or making better use of recycling services, every action counts. Sustainability is a key priority within our Corporate Strategy and by working together, we can reduce plastic waste, protect our environment and help create cleaner, greener communities for future generations."

Simple steps to reduce plastic waste

The easiest way to get started is by looking at the plastic items regularly thrown away and considering reusable alternatives. Residents can:

• Take a reusable coffee cup when buying takeaway drinks.
• Carry a reusable water bottle instead of purchasing bottled water.
• Remember reusable shopping bags when heading to the shops.
• Use refill shops for products such as shampoo, conditioner, handwash and detergents.
• Choose products with less packaging and opt for plastic-free alternatives where possible.
• Buy clothing made from natural fibres such as cotton, linen and wool, which shed fewer microplastics than synthetic materials.

Find your local refill shop by searching for ‘Zero Waste Shops’ on Surrey Environment Partnership’s Zero Waste Map: Surrey Environment Partnership - Surrey's zero waste map

Recycling plastics at home

Many plastic items can be recycled through household recycling collections. Residents are reminded to make sure items are empty, clean and dry before placing them in their recycling bins.  Items accepted in household recycling bins include:

• Plastic bottles (with lids on)
• Plastic pots, tubs and trays
• Plastic trigger-top spray bottles
• Plastic bottles with pump dispensers (bottle only)
• Squeezy plastic tubes, such as toothpaste and make-up tubes
• Non-black plastic plant pots

Residents can find more information about what can be recycled through the council's website.

For more information, visit the ‘What can I put in my household bins?’ page on our website.

If you’re not sure if it can be recycled, use the Surrey Recycles Search Tool to find out: Surrey Environment Partnership - What to do with an item.

Local communities leading the way

Across the borough, community groups are already helping residents reduce plastic waste.

Plastic Free Farnham is a volunteer-led initiative that works with local residents, businesses and organisations to reduce plastic pollution and create a cleaner, greener town. The project forms part of the national Plastic Free Communities movement, supported by Surfers Against Sewage. For more information visit Plastic Free Farnham.

Meanwhile, Love Haslemere Hate Waste offers practical advice and inspiration to help people cut down on waste, including its popular "50 Ways to Cut Down Your Waste" guide on their website: 50 Ways to Cut Down Your Waste

Residents can make their Plastic Free July pledge and find more information by visiting www.plasticfreejuly.org.