Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Recycling Funding And Food Waste Management In Leeds

12 January 2021 · 0 other contributors · 1,295 words

Opened by Alex Sobel Labour (Co-op) Leeds Central and Headingley

Responding minister: Not recorded

Environment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Alex Sobel raised concerns about recycling funding and food waste management in leeds in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.

Key points

  • Sobel highlights that Leeds has a low recycling rate due to lack of funding from central government.
  • Sobel requests funding for anaerobic digestion to reduce food waste in the city.
  • Sobel expresses concern over planned incinerator projects primarily in poorer areas.

Key requests to Government

Sobel asks the Minister to address the extra cost pressures on waste and recycling services due to the pandemic. He also requests funding for anaerobic digestion and a reduction in food waste, advocating that surplus food should be donated to charities or food banks before being incinerated. Sobel expresses concern over the planned building of new incinerators predominantly in poorer areas.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Alex Sobel Labour (Co-op) Leeds Central and Headingley

Sobel is concerned about the UK's low recycling rate, which was around 45% in 2017 compared to 54% in Wales. He highlights that Leeds lacks kerb-side glass and Tetra Pac recycling due to a lack of funding from central government. The city council faces £60 million of austerity cuts and additional pressures related to the pandemic, which is leading to proposed closures of recycling centres such as Ellar Ghyll in Otley.

▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy