OPINION: I am proud that Oxfordshire county council has just adopted its first Circular Economy Plan.
This plan sets out a bold and necessary shift in how we think about resources: how we use them, how we value them, and how we ensure they serve both people and planet for generations to come.
It builds on our county’s strong record of climate leadership and innovation, and it reflects our shared ambition to be greener, fairer, and more resilient.
The climate emergency demands more than incremental change. While we have made significant progress in reducing emissions from energy and transport, we must now turn our attention to the 45% of emissions that come from the way we make, use and dispose of products and food.
The circular economy offers a powerful response. It designs out waste, keeps materials in use, and regenerates natural cycles and systems.
This plan is not just aspiration; it builds on a track record of excellence. Oxfordshire has been the top-performing county council for household waste recycling for 11 consecutive years, with residents recycling, reusing, or composting 57.6% of their household waste in 2023–24.
From embedding reuse and repair targets in major contracts, to trialling innovative materials like graphene-enhanced asphalt, to donating over 200 refurbished laptops to tackle digital exclusion, we are already putting circular principles into practice.
We are empowering our residents to lead as well. The Community Action Groups we support saved over 1,600 tonnes of non-food waste from disposal in just one year.
Our plan aligns with Oxfordshire county council’s ambition of becoming a partner and place shaper of choice. It recognises that the transition to a circular economy is not only essential for the environment, but also an opportunity to build a healthier, more inclusive and prosperous future for our residents and businesses alike.
You’ll find buckets of ambition, innovation, and practical action throughout the plan. Together, we can lead the way in building a circular Oxfordshire that thrives within the limits of our planet and leaves a legacy we can be proud of.
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