When we throw things away we lose not only the raw materials in making
them, but the fuel needed to extract, make and transport them. Instead of
trying to reduce waste, the Council tries to "predict” how much is thrown
away and "provide” landfill sites and incineration to deal with it.

Both landfill and incineration are bad for the environment. We should buy
fewer products and they should be designed to be more durable and easier to reuse or recycle. Only a small proportion of what we use should be discarded. This “Zero Waste” strategy covers everything from manufacture, marketing and procurement, to use, reuse, recycling and disposal.

In Sheffield

Despite our strong opposition, the Council went ahead with a £40 million
capital investment and a 35 year contract with a company to manage the
city’s waste. Most waste goes to the massive new incinerator at Bernard
Road, the rest to Parkwood landfill site. There is no incentive for the Council
to reduce waste or to recycle more than minimum government targets.
“Waste” should be come under the 4 R’s: reduce, re-use, repair and finally
recycle. Residual waste should be composted using anaerobic digestion.
Incineration should not be needed but unfortunately we are saddled with it.
At least the new incinerator is a vast improvement on the old one, which was a serious health hazard. Find out more about the new incinerator at
www.sheffieldgreenparty.org.uk.

The Green Party has:

• Visited the new incinerator and written reports about its energy and safety.

Our local Green Party members will:

• Campaign for waste reduction: e.g. packaging, plastic carrier bags.
• Campaign for a recycling rate of 50% by 2010 by the use doorstep collection of dry waste (tins, plastics, textiles, bottles, as well as paper and card).
• Campaign to remove from the incinerator waste stream: poisons, metals, plastics and textiles, green and kitchen waste; in that order.
• Campaign for a commercial waste strategy that includes reduction and recycling targets Argue for recyclable waste to be diverted from the incinerator so it can be used only for waste that cannot be recycled and would otherwise go to landfill.
• Oppose any extension of Parkwood Landfill and work towards closing it as soon as it is practical.
• Promote national and European legislation which requires greater re-use and recycling with stricter controls on waste emissions.
• Encourage local manufacturers to use recycled materials.
• Investigate introducing workshops to repair/renovate goods at recycling centres.

Our Green Councillors have:

• Supported local people keen to recycle by providing many new
  facilities.
• Presented realistic waste policy and budget proposals which put more emphasis on reduction.

Our Green Councillors will:

• Encourage home and community composting.
• Press for planning applications to include recycling facilities where appropriate.
• Support those keen to recycle more by providing advice and facilities.
• Press for the Council to promote existing re-use and repair organisations.
• Push for better monitoring of emissions from Parkwood & Bernard Rd sites