PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Parliamentary Estate: Recycling (14 May 2018)

To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, what proportion of disposable (a) cups, (b) food containers and (c) cutlery used on the parliamentary estate is recycled.

Asked by:
Jamie Stone (Liberal Democrat)

We do not receive a comprehensive breakdown of the totals of these wastes within either our mixed recycling or general waste streams.

Plastic cups can be collected as part of the dry mixed recycling scheme, enabling them to be recycled.

Food containers and cutlery are at present collected as part of our general waste stream due to potential contamination from food and liquids. Instructions for our general waste bins in Parliament are that the only items deposited in this waste steam are non-recyclables and contaminated waste.

Within the single-use avoidable plastics strategy announced on 15 May 2018, the House Authorities committed to replacing the existing catering disposables range, which is predominantly non-recyclable, for a compostable alternative. This will enable the entire range of disposable items provided by the House to be recycled.

Answered by:
Tom Brake (Liberal Democrat)
21 May 2018