Call for evidence on commonly littered and problematic plastic items

Alongside the current consultations on proposals to ban single-use plastic items in England, the government have launched a call for evidence to gather information on other problematic plastic items to help inform future policy making.

The call for evidence focusses on wet wipes, tobacco filters, sachets, and other single use cups.

The document outlines that these items frequently escape waste management systems and enter the terrestrial and/or marine environment. Whether additional action is needed to reduce their use and tackle the problems caused by their incorrect disposal is therefore being explored. Evidence is being sought on their environmental impact and potential policy options to better inform any future approach.

In addition to the four items outlined, views are being sought on any further single-use plastic items that should be considered for targeted future policy actions, as well as how to achieve a shift away from single-use culture.

A single-use product is defined as ‘a product not conceived, designed, or placed on the market to accomplish multiple trips or rotations by being returned to a producer for refill or reused for the same purpose for which it was conceived.’

The final section of the call for evidence explores re-use and refill including what the barriers are, how they can be addressed and what role government and businesses can play to incentivise increased reuse and refill. The call for evidence asks for any successful case studies to be provided and asks whether there is support to consult on regulating that restaurants cannot provide customers with any single-use products in eat-in settings.

If you have relevant evidence or case studies, please contact Rachel Stonehouse to contribute to the IOM3 submission.

Closing date 12 February 2022