Environment, Waste & Planning
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) has declared a Climate Emergency and committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030. However, current policies fall short of what’s needed to achieve this goal. At the Tonbridge and Malling Green Party, we believe in being more ambitious—embracing a new Green industry and taking decisive action to protect our environment, our communities, and our future. We’re working hard, not just during elections, to deliver real change.
Increase Capacity for Sorting Recycling
Recycling is key to reducing waste. We will invest in better recycling facilities, making it easier for residents to recycle and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill. By improving recycling infrastructure, we can cut emissions and move closer to a circular economy.
Protect the Green Belt & Ancient Woodland
Our green spaces are irreplaceable. We will fight to protect the Green Belt and ancient woodlands from development, preserving these vital habitats for future generations. These areas are not just beautiful—they’re essential for biodiversity, carbon capture, and our wellbeing.
Promote the 5Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle
Waste reduction starts with us. We will promote the 5Rs—refuse, reduce, reuse, repair, recycle—helping residents and businesses cut waste and live more sustainably. By changing how we think about waste, we can create a cleaner, greener Kent.
Provide Doorstep Recycling & Food Waste Collection for All Homes
Convenience drives change. We will ensure every home in Kent has access to doorstep recycling and food waste collection, making it easy to do the right thing for the planet. Simple steps like these can have a big impact on reducing waste and emissions.
Allow Businesses to Recycle Plastic Packaging at Waste and Recycling Centres
Businesses have a role to play too. We will make it easier for businesses to recycle plastic packaging, reducing waste and supporting a circular economy. By working together, we can create a more sustainable future for Kent.
Stop the Use of Glyphosates
Harmful chemicals have no place in our environment. We will ban the use of glyphosates in Kent, protecting our soil, water, and wildlife. Safer alternatives exist, and we’re committed to using them.
Support Measures to Enhance Biodiversity & Abundance
Nature is our greatest ally. We will support projects that enhance biodiversity, from rewilding to tree planting, ensuring that Kent’s ecosystems thrive. A healthy environment is essential for our survival and wellbeing.
Crack Down on Water Pollution
Clean water is essential for life. We will crack down on pollution, ensuring that Kent’s rivers and seas are safe for people and wildlife. Protecting our waterways is a priority for a sustainable future.
Improve Air Quality
Clean air is a right, not a privilege. We will tackle air pollution through stricter regulations, better public transport, and investment in green spaces. Everyone deserves to breathe clean, healthy air.
Crack Down on Flytipping
Flytipping is a blight on our communities. We will increase enforcement and provide better waste disposal options, keeping Kent clean and beautiful. Together, we can stamp out this environmental crime.
Ensure the Climate & Nature Emergency is Brought into Every Council Decision
The climate crisis must be at the heart of everything we do. We will ensure that every council decision considers its environmental impact, prioritizing sustainability and resilience.
Ensure Environmental & Social Impacts Are Always Considered
Every decision affects people and the planet. We will ensure that the council always considers the environmental and social impacts of its actions, creating a fairer, greener Kent.