A COUNCIL could be plastic-free within two years.

Councillors in Denbighshire will discuss banning plastics from the local authority by 2020 when they meet on Tuesday.

Plastics have become a major concern after the broadcast of Sir David Attenborough’s TV documentary, Blue Planet 2, late last year.

The programme highlighted the devastating impact of plastic on the world’s oceans since they became widely used after the Second World War.

Now a Plaid Cymru motion before councillors next week will call on Denbighshire to make moves to dramatically reduce the use of plastics by the council.

The motion put down by Ruthin county councillor Emrys Wynne asks the authority to commit to becoming plastic-free within two years.

It also calls on the council to contact the county’s goods suppliers, calling on them to consider their use of plastic, as well as wanting the authority to look at the use of plastic when contracting to external companies.

Plastic straws will be exempt from this policy because of the needs of people with disabilities and swallowing difficulties.

Cllr Wynne said: “We are all by now aware of the damage that plastic is causing to our natural environment.

“We see the waste all around us, and the oceans are full of plastic.

“Some organisations have taken a lead in banning plastics, and several towns and communities here in Denbighshire have committed themselves to becoming plastic-free.

“As a council, we should show leadership, and commit that not only will the council as an organisation commit to becoming plastic free, but that we work towards the county becoming plastic free.

“This would mean giving up single use plastic, and using alternatives to plastic where possible.

“There are exceptions, including when the health, well-being and dignity of individuals is being threatened. For instance, plastic straws are essential for some disabled people.

“But I hope and expect cross-party support for this important motion, and am looking forward to seeing this authority show leadership on this issue.”