Here is my take on how we deal the problem of waste.

Identify the greatest single waste. Deal with that and move on to the next.

Could it be supermarket bags and disposable nappies? What should be done about them?

And is it the ratepayers' problem? In my opinion it is not, as we have no choice over how products are packaged.

Packaging should be changed or stopped at the source. Put a surcharge on the supplieror manufacturer. For example, $1 per plastic bag paid direct to council from the manufacturer to cover the cost of disposal of the supermarket bags.

We must change our attitudes to the problem in order to fix it. Stop the waste in the first place. Why should manufacturers and suppliers pay for it? Because they make the most money out of packaging – but the council has to get rid of it.

Yes, they will put up the price of their goods. But we still have the choice of to buy or not to buy. Is it not our democratic right to have a choice? Or are we forced into buying packaging we don't want, then having to pay for its disposal.

Why can't the supermarkets all use paper bags instead of plastic? Why can't there be a refund on bottles returned to the source? Is there a supermarket out there with a conscience?

Plastic has become the number one invasive substance in the food chain throughout the world. Therefore, in order to have a better life for our grandchildren, the use of plastic needs to be either modified or totally removed from the food chain.

Can the council get tough with the supermarkets? Everybody is responsible but who has the clout to actually do something about it?

RA Were, Te Puke.