Could a tax on single use plastics help solve a council’s litter problem?

As manufacturers and suppliers of a wide range of recycling bins, at Amberol we are always happy to hear of initiatives aimed at reducing the use of single use plastics and their resulting litter. So, we think it’s great news that the chancellor Philip Hammond is championing a government consultation exploring how new taxes on single use plastics could help decrease harmful waste.  It’s hoped that new measures could reduce amount of discarded disposable cups, takeaway containers, plastic wrapping and cigarette filters that cause such an unsightly and environmentally damaging problem on the streets, in the countryside and along the coastline of the UK. 

The current 5p charge on plastic bags, which was introduced in October 2015, has been a great success in changing consumer habits by encouraging people to reuse plastic bags. Mr Hammond believes that building on this initiative by levying taxes on other single use plastics would be an effective way of making people think twice about using these items. "Single-use plastics that have been used for only a few seconds can last centuries in the natural environment," he said.

How would a single use plastics tax work? 

Ideas being explored in the government consultation on taxing single use plastics include the following: 

• The UK could implement the idea the EU is considering, which is to impose taxes on all single use plastics. By raising the cost of plastic in this way, recycling would become a more attractive option as would using more environmentally friendly materials such as bamboo and wood for everyday disposable items like containers and cutlery. 
• A deposit and return system could be introduced, whereby you pay a deposit for a plastic item like a bottle and receive your money back when you return it to be recycled.

Where would the money go? 

The 5p charge on plastic bags is not a tax. The retailer keeps the money from each plastic bag sold and is accountable to the government when it comes to donating the money raised to charity. It is expected that around £730 million would be raised for good causes in the first ten years of the charge. 

If this initiative is rolled out to other single-use plastic items, it would be expected to work in the same way. However if the UK decides on a tax to be paid to the Treasury, then Mr Hammond has already said that the government will not use the revenue raised to line the government’s coffers. Instead the money will be reinvested in research aimed at helping businesses find greener processes as they work towards a more eco-conscious future. 

While the alternative deposit and return system would not generate any money for charity or new initiatives, research shows that these kinds of schemes have a high take- up rate, which in turn would generate a positive impact on recycling. 

Persuading companies to recycle 

Plastic is made from oil and gas, both of which are cheap commodities at the moment. In fact they are so inexpensive that it’s more costly for businesses to recycle plastic than it is for them to manufacture it from scratch. If a tax on single use plastics is added into the mix then that could tip the balance in favour of large companies choosing the more environmentally-friendly option of investing in recycling.

What can I do to help? 

As an eco-conscious consumer there is plenty you can do to reduce plastic waste by minimising your use of single use plastics, recycling the plastic you do use and encouraging those around you to get into the same good habits. 

Recycling made easy with Amberol litter bins

Amberol’s extensive and versatile range of indoor and outdoor recycling bins is designed to make recycling on the go an effortless habit to get into on a daily basis.  People who have never recycled before often say they are unsure of the rules, however with the widely-available Amberol bins’ clear labelling for mixed glass, plastic bottles, cans and paper, it has never been simpler to recycle. 

If you would like to ensure the efficient and easy use of recycling in and around your organisation’s premises, we can find exactly the right solution for your needs with our huge choice of sturdy, attractive bins designed to recycle at source. Email sales@amberol.co.uk or call 01773 830 930 for more information.