Overview

This bill aims to drastically reduce plastic pollution in the UK by setting ambitious targets for the elimination of non-essential plastics and the phasing out of non-recyclable plastics by 2042. It establishes an advisory committee to guide the government's strategy and mandates regular monitoring and reporting on progress.

Description

The Plastic Pollution Bill sets out several key duties for the Secretary of State:

• Eliminate the use of non-essential plastics by 2025.
• Ensure that by 2042 no plastic which is not capable of being recycled is produced or used.
• Progressively reduce plastic pollution.

The bill creates an Advisory Committee on Plastic Pollution, composed of a chair and at least five members with expertise in various relevant fields (sources of pollution, monitoring techniques, environmental impact, alternative materials, etc.).

Committee Responsibilities:

• Advise the Secretary of State on meeting the reduction targets.
• Publish advice on strategies for reducing plastic pollution, including recommendations on which plastics should be designated as essential and which should be phased out, along with target dates.
• Monitor the implementation of the government's strategy and publish annual reports.

The Secretary of State must publish a comprehensive plastic pollution strategy, which will be subject to parliamentary approval. This strategy will include specific targets and timelines, taking into account the Committee's advice and public consultation.

The bill also mandates a program of environmental monitoring to assess the quantity, nature, and harmful effects of plastic pollution across various environments (marine, freshwater, terrestrial, and air). This data will be published annually.

The bill includes provisions for consultation with devolved administrations (Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) on UK-wide strategies and resource allocation.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify exact figures for government spending. However, it will likely involve significant investment in: establishing and maintaining the advisory committee; environmental monitoring programs; public consultations; developing and implementing the national strategy; and potentially supporting initiatives like research, innovation, taxes, subsidies, regulation, and public awareness campaigns.

Groups Affected

• Plastics Industry: Significant changes to production and usage will impact manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
• Consumers: Changes in product availability and potentially higher prices for some products.
• Environmental Groups: Potentially positive impact through pollution reduction and improved environmental protection.
• Government Agencies: Increased responsibilities for implementing and monitoring the strategy.
• Devolved Administrations: Need to align their policies and resource allocation with the UK-wide strategy.

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