UK Government sets out plans to overhaul waste system

The UK Government has launched consultations to overhaul the waste system, cut plastic pollution, and move towards a more circular economy. Proposals include:

• packaging producers having to pay the full cost of dealing with their waste 
• more consistent household recycling
• a deposit return scheme to be implemented for cans and bottles

On 18 February 2019, a consultation was also launched for a tax on plastic packaging that does not meet a minimum threshold of at least 30% recycled content.

New analysis suggests the net benefit to UK economy of the changes may run into millions of pounds. The consultation will close on 12 May 2019.

Source: UK Government, 18 February 2019