North London Waste Authority (NLWA) is calling for the UK Government to expand it’s ban on some single-use plastics to include other forms of “unnecessary, environmentally damaging” plastic waste.
Bananas in plastic bags, onions in plastic nets and cucumbers wrapped in plastic are three examples of plastic waste that NLWA is calling on the UK Government to ban.
NLWA is also renewing its call for a 50p charge on single-use, plastic-lined coffee cups to accelerate the switch to reusable cups.
These calls by NLWA follow the Government’s confirmation that it will ban plastic cutlery, plates and trays in cafés and restaurants. NLWA says it has asked for an end to these items for several years and “welcomes” the imminent ban.
However, NLWA says it is concerned at the “half-hearted implementation” and is critical that these items will still be available at supermarkets and other shops. As a result, NLWA believes that the “ban” will be difficult to enforce, confuse consumers and won’t end the proliferation of these plastic items.
It (government) needs to take a much more rigorous approach, one which includes weaning all types of businesses off plastic.
NLWA also says the Government is not acting on flexible, single-use plastics that are used to package food. The waste authority also reiterated its call to implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in 2023 as well as end delays to the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).
NLWA Chair, Cllr Clyde Loakes, commented: “It’s good news that some plastic cutlery, plates and trays will be banned but it is still a lacklustre effort by the Government. It needs to take a much more rigorous approach, one which includes weaning all types of businesses off plastic.
“Let’s hope that the Government’s consultation response, published this coming Saturday 14 January, will provide more leadership and action.
“So much more needs to be done – plastics may be convenient but the long-term impact on our environment is immense. Frankly, many plastic items don’t need to exist in the first place. For instance, why is there still plastic over fruit and vegetables when they could so easily be sold loose?”