§ Sue DoughtyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of waste produced in his Department was(a)recycled, (b) composted and (c) re-used, broken down into (i) paper, (ii) plastics, (iii) aluminium cans and (iv) other in each year since 1997; what plans there are to increase these proportions; and if he will make a statement. [65680]
§ Mr. LammyFigures are only available from 2001–02. These show that of the total waste collected in the main buildings occupied by the Department, 84.1 per cent. has been recycled. There is no breakdown to show what proportions have been composted or re-used.
Of the amount recycled, 80.5 per cent. was paper, 0.7 per cent. cans and 18.8 per cent. all other waste.
The levels of waste and recycled materials are continually monitored and opportunities and initiatives to increase the levels of waste material recycled or re-used are under constant consideration.
§ Sue DoughtyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of(a) paper and (b) other goods purchased by his Department was recycled paper in each year since 1997; what the annual total cost of these purchases was; what plans there are to increase these proportions; and if he will make a statement. [65774]
§ Mr. LammyIt is only possible to answer in the detail required for the last year 2001–02.
The Department has a central stationery contract through which its normal supply of paper is purchased. For 2001–02, the amount of recycled paper purchased constituted 73.8 per cent. of the total paper purchased by the Department. The cost of this purchase was £138,864.
The Department continues to monitor usage of paper and seeks, where possible, to reduce use of paper in favour of electronic communications. Where paper products are necessary, the Department encourages the use of recycled paper. This is an on-going initiative.