 |
answer text |
<p>The Government published the Resources and Waste Strategy for England in December
last year which sets out our plans to reduce plastic pollution and to move towards
a more circular economy. This builds on the commitment in the 25 Year Environment
Plan to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>We have
already made good progress, banning microbeads in rinse-off personal care products
and removing 15.6 billion plastic bags from circulation with our 5p charge.</p><p>
</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>We have consulted on banning plastic straws, stirrers and cotton
buds and are currently consulting on extending the carrier bag charge. We will shortly
consult on reforming existing packaging waste regulation, introducing a deposit return
scheme for drinks containers and increasing consistency in the recycling system. Legislative
proposals will be developed taking account of the consultation responses.</p><p> </p><p>
</p><p> </p><p>The Government is also committed, subject to consultation, to introducing
a tax on plastic packaging containing less than 30% recycled context. We will continue
to review the latest evidence on problematic products and materials to take a systematic
approach to reducing the use of unnecessary single-use plastic products.</p><p> </p><p>
</p><p> </p><p>A number of Departments, including Defra, have already taken steps
to eliminate single-use consumer plastics from their operations. The 25 Year Environment
Plan includes a commitment to remove all single-use consumer plastics from central
Government offices and the Resources and Waste Strategy has confirmed that the Government
will do this by 2020.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Waste and recycling policy is
a devolved matter, and the Government continues to work with the Devolved Administrations
in delivering our shared ambitions to improve waste and recycling outcomes and promote
resource efficiency in the UK.</p><p> </p>
|
|
