The City of Edinburgh Council is affirming its commitment to addressing the problem of plastic bag litter in the city through a number of proposed high profile schemes. Proposals include discouraging the use of plastic bags and putting support in place for businesses committed to this change. In addition an award scheme would highlight businesses that make a significant contribution to reducing the number of plastic bags being used in the city.

Current measures undertaken by the Council include the promotion of re-use bags to local businesses, and 'bag for life' promotion to the public through the Waste Aware Edinburgh campaign. Work is also being carried out with a number of community groups to develop re-use bags. Whilst all these projects are making a positive impact more needs to be done to contribute to the national objective of zero waste.

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Some of the recommendations being made to Committee include: the creation of a specific award to recognise business and organisations that can demonstrate a reduction in the use of plastic bags and the continued funding of Waste Action Grants for communities to encourage the development of waste diversion initiatives such as the production and sale of re-use bags

Further consideration of an introduction of a charge for plastic bags issued on Council premises has also been recommended, which will entail discussions with stakeholders and other relevant parties.

Councillor Robert Aldridge, Environment Leader said: "A lot of good work is already being done to discourage the use of plastic bags. However, a lot more needs to be done to deal with this problem and to aim for the zero waste target. By working with partner agencies, such as the Chamber of Commerce, COSLA and community groups we will see even more change. Introducing a fee for plastic bags on Council premises and encouraging the use of reusable bags would also be a positive step in the right direction.

"We need to take responsibility for our environment and by a combination of all these things we will see a difference."

(GK/JM)