A PlastiCity roadshow was held in Southend last month attended by over 100 people from local schools, businesses, charities, and stakeholders.
The one-day event, organised by the PlastiCity project team, highlighted the importance of recycling plastics and the latest innovations available. The results, opportunities and challenges of the PlastiCity project were also shared as well as showcasing actual products manufactured from plastics collected across Southend.
Also taking part in the roadshow was the Plastic Fantastic Truck which was stationed at Victoria Circus outside the Odeon. The truck is part of the Transform CE Project (Interreg). The team engaged with shoppers and demonstrated live recycling of rigid plastics, a bike-powered shredder, 3D printer capabilities, plastic press and moulds. Southend’s waste contractor, Veolia, was also present to engage with residents about recycling.
PlastiCity is a three-year research project which aims to increase the amount of commercial and industrial plastics recycled in the Interreg 2 Seas region of England, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. The project is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Southend-on-Sea has been chosen as the only City in the UK to take part in the project.
Cllr Carole Mulroney, cabinet member for environment, culture and tourism, said: “The successful PlastiCity roadshow was a great way to engage with and educate local residents, businesses and stakeholders about how to reduce your plastic footprint and do your bit to dispose of plastics responsibly.
“Plastic waste causes severe damage to the environment and wildlife, and it is important we act now to pave the way for future generations. Southend-on-Sea was the only City in the UK to be chosen to take part in the project meaning we have a huge opportunity and responsibility to set the gold standard for plastic recycling for others to follow.
“I urge any business and school within the City to register their interest early in the new PlastiCity pledge and prove our City takes plastic waste seriously and is committed to making lasting change.”
New PlastiCity pledge
A new PlastiCity Pledge has been announced to continue the recycling initiative across the City and businesses and schools in Southend are invited to join.
The PlastiCity pledge is designed to easily and quickly guide organisations to become more sustainable, fit for future regulation, and to increase plastic recycling in Southend’s schools and businesses.