Politics
Firms could be asked to pay for managing and recycling the packaging they produce in a bid to cut plastic waste
FIRMS could be asked to pay for managing and recycling the packaging they produce in a bid to cut plastic waste, ministers will reveal today.
It is hoped a £3billion bill will encourage them to use more recyclable materials, with incentives for the most eco-friendly.
New plans could see firms paying the full costs of managing their packaging waste, which is estimated at around £3billion[/caption]
Councils may also get more cash to sort and recycle waste bottles.
And punters could get at least 20p back returning plastic empties in a scheme that may bring 4,000 jobs from 2024 and boost recycling to 80 per cent by the decade’s end.
The news comes as the UK prepares to host the COP26 climate change conference in November.
Environment Secretary George Eustice said: “Through our world-leading Environment Bill we are transforming the way we deal with our waste.
“Tackling plastic pollution lies at the heart of our efforts, and we have already taken steps to ban microbeads in rinse-off personal care products, cut supermarket sales of single-use plastic bags by 95% and prohibit the supply of plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds.
“Our reforms will ensure that more of what we consume is recycled.”
Punters could get at least 20p back returning plastic empties in a scheme that may bring 4,000 jobs from 2024[/caption]
George Eustice said ‘Our reforms will ensure that more of what we consume is recycled’[/caption]
In 2019 a whopping 11.7million tonnes of plastic packaging was produced in the UK alone.
Extra plastics costs will come in from 2023, and the deposit return scheme is set to begin in 2024.
Join The Sun’s ‘Green Team’ & save the planet
MAKING simple everyday changes can add up to a BIG difference to the planet.
And we want you and your family to join The Sun’s Green Team – our eco revolution.
It can feel overwhelming to know how to play a part in reducing greenhouse gasses, but we will be showing you the practical steps we can take to curb climate change – with the help of the global ‘Count Us In’ initiative.
And our easy measures will even help you SAVE money so your household budget goes further.
We’ll help you to reduce food waste, insulate your home, create tasty planet-friendly meals and take simple steps to trim your carbon footprint.
We want you to go online to sign-up to as many of our special Green Team pledges as you can manage and a special calculator will show you how much carbon you will personally save.
It won’t cost you a penny but the total you and your family will save will be added to the global ‘Count Us In’ total and the platform will support you every step of the way.
So tap here to pledge.
GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk
