Residents across Guildford are being encouraged to take part in Plastic Free July, and make simple swaps to reduce single-use plastic waste, protect the environment and help create a more sustainable borough.

Plastic Free July is a global movement that inspires millions of people to reduce plastic waste through everyday actions; creating cleaner streets, healthier rivers and greener communities.

Supporting Plastic Free July also contributes to the Council’s priority of helping Guildford become a more sustainable borough, helping to reduce waste, encourage responsible use of resources and support environmental sustainability across the borough.

Throughout July, we’re inviting the community to make a pledge to refuse single-use plastics where possible and consider simple changes that can have a lasting impact.

Councillor Angela Goodwin, Lead Councillor for Environment and Sustainability at Guildford Borough Council, said: “Plastic Free July is a great opportunity for all of us to think about the choices we make every day and how small changes can collectively make a big difference.

“Whether it’s carrying a reusable water bottle, making use of the town’s refill stations, choosing products with less packaging or recycling correctly, every action helps reduce waste and protect our environment.

“Taking part in Plastic Free July supports our ambition to create a more sustainable borough and helps ensure Guildford remains a clean, attractive and thriving place for residents, businesses and visitors alike.”

Simple steps to reduce plastic waste

The easiest way to get started is by looking at the plastic items regularly thrown away and considering reusable alternatives. Here’s our top tips:

• Take a reusable coffee cup when buying takeaway drinks.
• Carry a reusable water bottle instead of purchasing bottled water.
• Remember reusable shopping bags when heading to the shops.
• Use refill shops for products such as shampoo, conditioner, handwash and detergents.
• Choose products with less packaging and opt for plastic-free alternatives where possible.
• Buy clothing made from natural fibres such as cotton, linen and wool, which shed fewer microplastics than synthetic materials.

Refill your bottle, not the bin

You can make use of Guildford’s public water refill stations when out and about. Refilling a reusable water bottle is a simple way to avoid single-use plastic bottles, save money and stay hydrated.

The Council has supported the installation of public refill stations as part of efforts to reduce plastic waste and encourage more sustainable everyday choices. You can use refill apps such as Refill Return or go to websites like TrailTap for maps to find participating refill locations across Guildford and beyond.

Recycling plastics at home

Many plastic items can be recycled through Guildford’s household recycling collections. Residents are reminded to make sure items are empty, clean and dry before placing them in their green recycling bin. Accepted items include:

• Plastic bottles (with lids on)
• Plastic pots, tubs and trays
• Plastic and metal lids, caps and bottle tops
• Empty aerosol cans
• Other recyclable plastic containers accepted through the borough’s recycling service

You can also recycle paper, card, glass bottles and jars, tins, cans and cartons through your green recycling bin.

If you’re unsure whether an item can be recycled, you can use our recycling search tool, which provides guidance on what goes in each bin and information about alternative recycling options.

Getting recycling right

Recycling correctly helps ensure more material can be processed and turned into new products. Contaminated recycling can result in entire loads being rejected, so the Council is urging residents to double check before they throw items away.

You can make your Plastic Free July pledge and find more information by visiting the Plastic Free July website. For information about recycling in Guildford and to use the recycling search tool, visit www.guildford.gov.uk/whatgoesinmybins.

Plastic Free July is a global movement helping millions of people reduce plastic waste.

Information on local recycling services can be found on the council’s website Rubbish and recycling – Guildford Borough Council

Further information about Plastic Free Communities is available at www.plasticfreecommunities.org