Lancashire sets out 10-year plan to cut household waste and boost recycling
The strategy aims to recycle 50% of waste by 2030
Councils across Lancashire have joined forces on a plan to cut household waste by 10% by 2035 and recycle 50% of waste by 2030.
The proposed 'A Low Waste Lancashire 2026-2036' strategy sets out a shared 10-year approach to reducing waste and boosting reuse and recycling.
It was developed through the Lancashire Waste Partnership and is being considered by each council.
Lancashire County Council's Cabinet approved the plans on Thursday 5th November.
The strategy also aims to work towards the national target of recycling 65% of municipal waste by 2035.
The council said work to develop the strategy has identified opportunities to make Lancashire's waste management system more efficient.
The strategy covers the 16 Household Waste Recycling Centres managed by Lancashire County Council.
It also covers the wider approach to reducing, reusing and recycling waste.
More than 4,700 members of the public responded to a six-week consultation on the proposals.
Of those, 72% agreed or strongly agreed with the strategy's vision, and 78% supported its objectives.
The council said there was also broad backing for the proposed targets.
Around 67% of respondents agreed the waste reduction target was either about right or should be more ambitious.
72% said the same about the recycling targets.
Councillor Joshua Roberts, cabinet member for Rural Affairs, Environment and Communities, said: "Lancashire residents have been clear that they want us to cut waste and recycle more. This strategy sets out an ambitious direction for the next decade. By working together, we can waste less, recycle more and deliver better value for our residents."
The council said the focus will now move to delivering the strategy, with action plans developed to support its objectives and targets.
Councils will continue to work together through the Lancashire Waste Partnership.
The council said people and communities also have an important role in reducing waste and increasing reuse and recycling.
It said the strategy builds on wider work to transform how waste is managed across Lancashire.
It also said separating food waste for recycling will help reduce waste and support a more sustainable and efficient system for the county.