The meeting held by the Executive Member for Environment of Middlesbrough Council on 10 June 2024 focused on the approval of a new urban greening initiative, the discussion of waste management improvements, and the introduction of a community-led recycling programme. Key decisions included the endorsement of the urban greening scheme and the allocation of funds for waste management enhancements.

Urban Greening Initiative

The council approved a new urban greening initiative aimed at increasing green spaces and biodiversity within Middlesbrough. The scheme, detailed in Appendix 1 - Scheme, includes the planting of 10,000 trees over the next five years and the creation of several new community gardens. Councillor Paul Convery highlighted the environmental and social benefits, stating:

This initiative will not only improve air quality and reduce urban heat but also provide residents with more recreational spaces and opportunities for community engagement.

There was unanimous support for the scheme, with no objections raised during the discussion.

Waste Management Improvements

The council discussed various strategies to enhance waste management in Middlesbrough. The focus was on increasing the efficiency of waste collection services and reducing landfill dependency. The report, available in the Public reports pack, proposed the introduction of new waste sorting facilities and the expansion of the current recycling programme. Councillor Convery emphasised the importance of these measures:

Improving our waste management system is crucial for achieving our sustainability goals and reducing our environmental footprint.

The council agreed to allocate additional funds to support these improvements.

Community-led Recycling Programme

A new community-led recycling programme was introduced, aiming to involve local residents in recycling efforts. The programme will provide educational workshops and resources to help residents better understand recycling processes and the importance of waste reduction. Councillor Convery noted:

Engaging the community in recycling efforts is essential for the success of our waste management strategy. By educating and involving residents, we can significantly increase recycling rates and reduce waste.

The programme received positive feedback, and the council decided to move forward with its implementation.

For more details, you can refer to the Printed minutes of the meeting.