Do your bit for Plastic Free July

Residents are being urged to ditch single-use plastic this summer as part of the Lincolnshire Waste Partnership’s support for the global Plastic Free July campaign.

Plastic pollution is a serious issue that affects the environment, health, and contributes to carbon emissions. In the UK, only around 25% of plastic packaging is recycled, even though households throw away an estimated 100 billion pieces of plastic packaging each year — an average of 66 items per household per week.

Around 61% of plastic bottles are collected for recycling, and 75% of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) drink bottles are reprocessed. 

Given the scale of the problem, Lincolnshire County Council, as part of the Waste Partnership, is supporting the campaign by sharing practical tips to help residents reduce plastic use throughout July. These will be featured on council social media channels and websites.

Here are five simple tips to get involved:

• Tip 1: Take a reusable water bottle out with you and use the Refill app to find places to top up.
• Tip 2: Remember to take a reusable coffee cup when out and about.
• Tip 3: Carry a reusable straw — try metal, bamboo, silicone, or paper instead of single-use plastic.
• Tip 4: Take a bag for life with you to avoid using single-use plastic carriers.
• Tip 5: Take a reusable cutlery set — bamboo or stainless-steel beats plastic when eating on the go.

Residents are also encouraged to share their own ideas using the hashtag #PlasticFreeLincs.

Rachel Stamp, waste partnership and projects manager, at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Plastic Free July is a great opportunity to make simple swaps that reduce single-use plastic in our daily lives. Whether it’s carrying a reusable bottle, cup, or cutlery set, these small changes add up to a big difference for our environment. It’s about building habits that last well beyond July — and showing that living with less plastic is easier than we think.

“I’d encourage anyone who can to try some of our tips for reducing plastic use this July. Together, we can keep working towards a Lincolnshire that’s sustainable — now and for future generations.”

City of Lincoln Council is also part of the Waste Partnership and throughout July it will be sharing simple tips, easy swaps, and practical advice to help you cut down on plastic waste in everyday life — starting with items like bottles, bags, cups, and more. Follow https://www.facebook.com/TheCOLC 

To learn more, visit the Plastic Free July 2025 campaign: www.plasticfreejuly.org.