War On Plastic: Government To Bring In 5p ‘Cash For Return’ Scheme On Bottles

Environment Secretary Michael Gove is set to unveil his plans for a ‘cash-for-return’ plastic bottle scheme.

The MP wants to end ‘Britain’s throwaway culture which plastics encapsulate’.

Under the new proposals, people could receive 5p for every plastic bottle they return to the shops.

The plans, which have been inspired by similar initiatives in Australia and Denmark, are part of the Government’s new environment strategy.

Plastic

MPs will tomorrow publish a 25-year Environment Plan.

According to Prime Minister Theresa May: “[We] stand against the profligate use of resources – whether that is public money or natural resources.”

The PM is expected to announce that the 5p plastic bag levy will be rolled out to apply to all shops (currently only businesses employing more than 250 people have to comply).

‘Better’

There are also ideas to tackle waste from coffee shops.

Some MPs say coffees served in disposable cups should have a 25p ‘latte levy’, to reduce waste and increase rates of recycling.

May says collectively these plans will ‘send a clear message to the public about the Government’s commitment to be the first generation to leave the natural environment in a better state than it inherited’.