Sutton Council has failed to cut waste across the borough, a report has revealed.

The One Planet Sutton report sets out 32 targets the council needs to make to become a ‘one planet borough’ by 2025.

By signing up to the scheme the borough commits to cutting carbon emissions from buildings and vehicles, increase recycling and ensure developments are built to the highest environmental standards.

Sutton Council met 19 of its targets, but found its performance was not on track in five key areas in the ‘waste cutting category’.

One of the more damning figures even showed the household recycling rate went down from 37.6 per cent in 2014/15 to 34.7 per cent in 2015/16, neither of which meet the desired 40 per cent rate by 2017.

The report also shows council office waste did not reach the 85 per cent recycled or composted target to be met in 2017.

The rate in civic offices reduced to 47.2 per cent in 2015/16 and recycling in the Denmark Road offices also reduced to 65.6 per cent.

It was recommended a waste and recycling scheme, including new signs, be put in place to increase recycling rates.

The borough previously had mixed recycling centres, but removed them in 2015 and predicted a recycling rate upwards of 70 per cent by 2025.

However, the council did make significant improvements in the cutting carbon emissions, ‘valuing our natural environment’ and supporting the local economy sections.

Councillor Jill Whitehead, chair of the environment and neighbourhoods committee at Sutton Council, said: “One Planet Sutton is about creating a borough where everyone can lead happy and healthy lives. Adopting more sustainable lifestyles helps save money and also reduces our dependence on natural resources.

“We set ourselves 32 ambitious priority targets to help us achieve our aim of becoming a One Planet borough.”

“With the help of residents and partners we have made good progress towards the targets. Our recent notable achievements include reducing the council’s CO2 emissions, using less water and improving the condition of the River Wandle.

“We have made good progress, but there is still more to do to achieve all our targets.

“We are not resting on our laurels and have plans in place to meet these ambitious targets. I encourage residents to download and read a copy of our report to learn more.”

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