A PETITION calling for better plastic recycling in West Berkshire has been signed by more than 1,000 people.

The petition is calling on West Berkshire Council to improve the collection and recycling of domestic plastic waste, and provide better communication on recycling.

It is also calling for research into alternative and more ecological approaches to managing domestic plastic waste in West Berkshire. 

If at least 1,500 people sign the petition, it will force the council to debate it. 

The petition states: “Some local residents have tried to compensate by offering collection points at their homes and then driving cars full of plastics to collection bins at Sainsbury’s in Reading.

“This is not sustainable, and these people and businesses have become overrun with the volume of plastics being deposited, posing significant issues in terms of storage, handling and health risks.”

It mentions other councils like Stroud and Oxford, which have ‘excellent kerbside collections’. 

Currently in West Berkshire, all recycled waste is collected together at the kerbside, apart from only bottles. In other places, recycled waste is separated into paper, glass, metal and plastic. 

Separation at the kerbside makes it easier to avoid contaminating recycled waste and is more environmentally friendly. 

The petition was started on July 31 and runs until September 4. If you live, work, or study in West Berkshire you can sign the petition on the council website.

It was set up by Sukey Russell-Hayward, from the Thatcham and Newbury plastic-free, recycling and zero waste group. She has been approached for comment.