COUNTY council has backed a bid brought forward by a Bromsgrove councillor to encourage the use of reusable alternatives to single-use plastics.

Worcestershire County Council's catering firm is already taking action to use compostable cutlery and containers for all food made on site at County Hall.

No straws are provided, soft drinks are sold in cans and glass bottles only, and plans will now go ahead for discounted hot drinks in reusable cups.

Backing the motion at cabinet on June 14, cabinet member for environment cllr Tony Miller said: "We are still on the pathway of improvements.

"This will be a continuing thing as we progress with the way we deal with our plastics."

The cost of single-use cups at County Hall last year was £1,374, and while bio-plastic cups are more expensive, they are expected to provide financial savings long-term.

Cllr Miller also said it will reduce the 1,100 coffee cups disposed at County Hall each year.

Bromsgrove cllr Peter McDonald, who brought forward the motion, said after the meeting: “Not only is this good news for the environment but Worcestershire County Council expects to save £40,000 in waste disposal a year - monies that can be spent on much need services that the public are crying out for.”

Green Party councillor Matthew Jenkins added: "It is just a start. We have done our bit but I would hate to think that is all we will do.

"I'm particularly interested in how we can influence schools, what we can do to help them.

"One potential solution I have seen is edible cutlery which is something we could have a look at. You could eat your spoon."

Bromsgrove District Council pledged to stop using single-use non-recyclable plastics altogether within 18 months in February, following a similar motion from cllr McDonald.