We rely on the earth’s raw materials for everything that we eat, drink, wear, use and breathe. As the world’s population and living standards increase, we make greater demands on the planet’s natural capital. In turn, we also create more waste.
The UK have set out ambitious plans to become global leaders in managing resources efficiently. To move away from a linear (take, make, use, throw) approach to a circular one. One that will extract maximum value from the resources that we use and keep them in use for longer. Good for both the economy and the planet.
The UK Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan sets out the goals for improving the environment within a generation. As part of this plan, an overhaul of existing waste legislation is underway. Our Waste, Our Resources: A Strategy for England was published in December 2018.
The key ambitions of the strategy are:
To work towards all plastic packaging being recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025
To work towards eliminating food waste to landfill by 2030
To eliminate all avoidable plastic waste by 2042
To eliminate avoidable waste of all kinds by 2050
To double resource productivity by 2050
The Government launched a series of consultations in February 2019 in support of the strategy. These are open for comment until 18 May:
1. A deposit returns scheme (DRS) for plastic bottles, cans and glass bottles
Did you know that UK consumers use an estimated 14 billion plastic drinks bottles, 9 billion drinks cans and 5 billion glass bottles each year?
Two alternative DRS options are being considered - one for 'on-the-go' containers under 750ml, the other for all drinks containers. Neither option includes milk (or plant-based substitute) containers as this is considered an essential product without alternative packaging. The customer would pay a deposit on purchase which would be reimbursed upon return. The costs of managing the scheme would be borne by the producers. The aim is to improve awareness, increase recycling and reduce littering (a particular problem with on-the-go drinks).
2. Extended producer responsibility for packaging waste
Putting the right incentives in place for businesses to design and use sustainable packaging. Packaging that is reusable or recyclable and is not littered. Ensuring that producers bear the full cost of packaging waste in line with the 'polluter pays' principle.
3. A plastic tax on packaging containing less than 30% recycled plastic
Over 2 million tonnes of plastic packaging is used in the UK each year. The majority of which is made from new, rather than recycled plastic. In 2018, the government announced its intention to introduce a new tax on plastic packaging. The tax will provide incentivise businesses' to use recycled plastic, creating a greater demand for recycled plastic. It will apply to businesses that produce or import plastic packaging which uses insufficient recycled content, from April 2022.
4. Consistency in household and business recycling by local authorities.
Recycling rates in England have remained static at around 45% for the last few years. In 2018 China banned the import of post-consumer contaminated plastic and paper adding to the need to improve the quality of what is collected for recycling. Householders and businesses face confusion about what can be recycled. We need to improve the quantity and quality of what we recycle both at home and at work to meet the 65% target in the strategy. The government are consulting on proposals for authorities to collect the same set of dry recyclable materials and introduce a separate weekly food waste collection from households. Also under consultation are plans for organisations to improve recycling, with businesses segregating recycling and separating food waste , and improving waste metrics.
Do you think that the targets stretching enough? Maybe not. But they are a start. The legislation is only one step though. We are all going to need to change our behaviours to become a more conscious society– reducing, reusing and recycling more effectively than we do.
This is no longer a debate whether to act. The only question to ask is how quickly. If your organisation could be affected by this legislation, or if you want advice on reducing your waste footprint, contact Simply Carbon Reduction today to discuss how we can help you.