RESIDENTS are being invited to help decide the way ahead for waste and recycling in the Forest.

Following interest shown by community groups and local people, the Forest of Dean Council Cabinet is settng up a working panel - comprising councillors, officers and members of the public - to look into what we throw away and the possibilities and opportunities for improvement over the next ten years.

Council Leader, Cllr Tim Gwilliam (Berry Hill, Forest First), said: “It’s fair to say that media coverage, including BBC’s Blue Planet series, has invigorated and stimulated public interest in waste and recycling. 

“Compared with many other local authorities we provide an excellent service, but that doesn’t mean we are not open to constructive criticism and advice.

“If we wish to be an innovative and sustainable council we have to be open to all views and suggestions and then we have to try to give the public the service they need from us.

“Whilst existing contracts may limit the changes that can be made in the short term, there is scope to improve our communication and promotion of the service, ensuring it is understandable and accessible to everyone.

“The proposed working panel will have access to key elements of waste and recycling issues to inform their study, including the pros and cons regarding various possible initiatives, estimated costs and potential savings. 

“This should enable the panel to develop proposals that will give councillors a valuable steer on our future direction, including the requirements we will need to specify in our future waste and recycling contracts.”

Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Chris McFarling (Green, Newland and St Briavels), added: “Our throw-away culture needs to change quickly, before we completely pollute the natural world and destroy the ecosystems upon which we depend.

“Reducing the waste we discard will help save the environment and cost us less. Reusing and repairing some of the items we currently send to landfill or incineration will help too. Recycling everything else will eventually reduce waste to zero. That’s the challenge.

“When we work together, openly, transparently and in a positive way, we can take on that challenge, and transform our world for the better - for us now, and for our children and grandchildren to enjoy for years to come.”

Members of the public who want to join the panel should email [email protected] 

The first meeting will be held in November at the Forest council offices in Coleford.