Multiple regulatory changes in the United Kingdom have the potential to greatly reduce their plastic waste.
- The UK government is seeking public comments within eight weeks of December 27, 2018 on a proposed rule that would increase the current charge for Plastic Carrier Bags from 5 to 10 pence each which would apply to all, not just large retailers;
- is developing measures to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste through its December 18, 2018 Resources and Waste Strategy;
- has adopted a ban on microbeads in cosmetics and personal care products that took effect on January 9, 2018;
- initiated on October 22, 2018 a consultation on restricting the sale of plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds;
- on March 28, 2018 announced a plan for a deposit return scheme to increase recycling rates for bottles and cans;
- and on October 29, 2018 announced plans for a tax that “will apply to all plastic packaging that doesn’t include at least 30% recycled content.”