How Effective Are Single Use Plastic Bans?

How Effective Are Single Use Plastic Bans?

In a bid to change habits and reduce environmental damage, the British Government has banned several single-use plastic items in recent years.

The most recent enforcements were introduced in October 2023 and included plastic cutlery, drinking straws and polystyrene food containers. In response to these measures producers and retailers were forced to source alternatives that are biodegradable or recyclable. Fortunately, there are plenty of available options on the market.

Single Use Plastic Bags

One of the first single-use plastic items to be targeted was carrier bags. In 2011, retailers had to start charging a minimum fee of 5p for plastic bags, which rose to 10p. Initially, many customers were frustrated by the charge, but it has encouraged a change in habits. As a result, most people now take a reusable bag to the shops and supermarkets.

The question is whether these changes make a difference. Does this help address the issue or simply scratch the surface of an insurmountable challenge? Information from the Great British Beach Clean shows a mixed picture.

The Good News

The good news is that the number of plastic bags on UK beaches has declined by 80%. Detail of litter collected in the annual beach clean in 2014 found an average of 5 plastic bags per 100 meters of beach. Last year, this was down to 1 per 100 meters. This suggests that the introduction of plastic bag charges has reduced their use and disposal.

Since the charge was introduced, many retailers have switched from plastic to paper and canvas bags or cardboard boxes. While retailers and manufacturers do need to take responsibility for giving consumers sustainable options,  we all need to play our part, because there is plenty of room for improvement.

The Not-so-good News

On the flip side, volunteer litter pickers still collected 4,684 plastic bags in the 2023 beach clean. What’s more, they found that the volume of discarded plastic drink bottles, aluminium cans and snack wrappers was up. With growing awareness of the environmental impact of waste, it is disappointing that many people don’t keep hold of their rubbish until they find a bin.

It is early days, but hopefully, the recent ban will mean fewer items of plastic cutlery and food containers will be found in this year’s collection.

Great British Beach Clean 2024

If you live near the seaside or will be visiting the coast between 20 & 29 September 2024, you can take part in this year’s Great British Beach Clean. Led by the Marine Conservation Society, organised events will be happening all around the UK. This is a fantastic way to get involved in protecting wildlife and leaving our beautiful beaches in better condition.

Community Litter Picks

Alternatively, why not join a litter-picking event in your community? In our town, Aylesbury Wombles is a team of volunteers that meet every weekend morning to clear an area. Residents of all ages are welcome to come along and get involved, with all equipment provided. They included young people working towards the volunteer section of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

In July alone, this group collected an impressive 292 bags of rubbish, separated into recycling and waste. They also play an active role in encouraging recycling at community events. And, in September they’re focusing on raising awareness of the volume of plastic drink bottles that are collected. The aim is to highlight the need for a bottle return scheme. So, what is going on in your community? Can you get involved to reduce plastic waste littering our towns, beaches and scenic sites?

Finally, if you are looking to switch from plastic packaging to a sustainable alternative, our team can inform you of viable and sustainable alternatives.  Contact us at enquiries@abcbox.co.uk