Overview

This Plastics Bill mandates the Secretary of State to establish, monitor, and enforce targets for reducing and recycling plastic packaging in the UK. These targets must at least match those previously set by the European Union, and the bill creates a new Plastics Agency to oversee the process. The bill also promotes research and the use of sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging.

Description

Targets and Enforcement

The Secretary of State must set annual targets to limit plastic packaging production and sale, increase recycling, and reduce public body spending on fossil fuel-based plastic packaging production. By 2025, all new plastic packaging must be recyclable. The Plastics Agency will monitor compliance and can seek court orders if the Secretary of State fails to meet their duties.

The Plastics Agency

A new body corporate, the Plastics Agency, will be established to promote initiatives that reduce plastic use and increase recycling. It will monitor the Secretary of State's compliance with the targets and can take legal action if necessary. The Agency's funding may include a levy on plastic packaging producers and retailers, and it will be responsible for publishing an annual report.

Fiscal Strategy and Sustainable Alternatives

An independent review will assess the potential for a government fiscal strategy to reduce plastic use and shift recycling costs to producers and retailers. The Secretary of State must promote research into and the use of sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging, potentially through government-funded schemes.

General Duties and Guidance

Public authorities have a general duty to consider reducing plastic use and increasing recycling in their operations. The Secretary of State will provide guidance on how to fulfill this duty, covering areas like reducing plastic use in schools and hospitals, and promoting refill schemes and public water fountains.

Government Spending

The bill may lead to increased government spending on supporting research into sustainable alternatives, funding the Plastics Agency, and potentially implementing fiscal measures to reduce plastic use. Exact figures are not specified in the bill itself; these will be determined following the independent review of the fiscal strategy.

Groups Affected

• Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Responsible for setting and enforcing targets, establishing the Plastics Agency, and promoting sustainable alternatives.
• Plastics Producers: Potentially subject to levies to fund the Plastics Agency and potentially facing restrictions on production and sales.
• Retailers: Potentially subject to levies to fund the Plastics Agency and potentially facing pressure to reduce plastic packaging use.
• Public Authorities: Have a duty to reduce their use of plastic and must have regard to the guidance issued by the Secretary of State.
• Consumers: May see changes in product packaging and availability, along with increased access to water fountains and refill schemes.
• Research Institutions: May receive funding for research into sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging.

Powered by nyModel