Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA) has declared a climate emergency.
At a Special Authority meeting on Friday 18th October 2019 Councillors agreed to declare the climate emergency.
The Motion was put forward by Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins. In July, Councillor Robertson-Collins was appointed Liverpool City Council’s first ever Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability.
As part of the MRWA decision Councillors also agreed to develop a new Zero Waste 2040 Strategy and an Action Plan for Resource and Waste Management.
Chairperson of MRWA, Councillor Tony Concepcion, said: “There is a significant environmental impact brought about through the management, recycling and recovery of the thousands of tonnes of household waste we deal with each year. Every step is a chance to cut harmful gas emissions and make use of the earth’s limited resources.”
Cllr Robertson-Collins said: “At the MRWA we understand the importance of dealing with the prevention of waste, and the reuse and recycling of materials and products in achieving net zero carbon by 2040 and contributing to overall action on climate heating.”
At the same Special Meeting, Councillor Diane Roscoe also put forward a Motion that the Authority report on the range of options available for the introduction of food waste collection and treatment across the Liverpool City Region. This Motion was agreed by Authority Members.
Councillor Concepcion continued: “I’m encouraged that these Motions have been put forward. Whilst none of us want to live in a world where we have to declare a climate emergency, this is an opportunity for all the Districts of the Liverpool City Region to work together and help make our part of the world a place we can be proud of.”
Initial reports for the Motions which will identify immediate and longer term actions will be brought to the next Authority Meeting in February 2020.
ENDS
For more information members of the media can contact:
John Lally
Marketing and Communications Officer
Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority
Direct Dial: 0151 255 2568
John.lally@merseysidewda.gov.uk
General enquiries: 0151 255 1444