Waterford City and County Council has pledged its commitment to sustainability by adopting a single use plastics policy.

The policy was agreed last week, 13 February, which will see single use plastics removed from all Council buildings, hired venues, catering and all events organised by the Council.

Events licensed or funded by the Council will also be required to demonstrate measures to eliminate single use plastics and segregation of waste during and after the event and their subsequent disposal.

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"Plastic is designed to last forever but is often used just once. Single-use plastic includes products such as straws, bottles, cups and cutlery; any plastic item that’s made for temporary use," said Fergus Galvin, Director of Services for Roads, Water and Environment.

"Although we might not think much of it when we buy bottles of our favorite drink or buy a sandwich in a plastic box, these choices have a serious impact on the health of our planet and ourselves. This policy enables us to say a firm 'no' to single use plastics in our organisation. We are now building on the existing ban on single use bottles and cups in the Council Chambers by extending a ban on all single use plastics across the range of Council buildings and events."

(CM/MH)