Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Waste and Recycling

09 December 2024 · 2 other contributors

Opened by Matt Vickers Con Stockton West

ClimateEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Matt Vickers raised concerns about waste and recycling in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • UK generates nearly 200 million tonnes of total waste annually
  • Previous Government introduced reforms including bulky furniture collection fees and food waste collections
  • Minister commits to transitioning to a circular economy to reduce waste and support economic growth

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Matt Vickers Con Stockton West

I am grateful to raise waste management issues. UK generates nearly 200 million tonnes of total waste annually, with recycling rates stagnating in England. The previous Government made progress through simpler recycling reforms and the 'maximising resources, minimising waste' programme, introducing bulky furniture collection scrapping fees for households by 2025, food waste collections by 2026, extended producer responsibility reporting requirements by producers and businesses, and a comprehensive deposit return scheme. These measures aim to prevent fly-tipping and boost reuse, repair, remanufacture, and green jobs.

Other contributors (2)
  • Iqbal Mohamed Lab Dewsbury

    Stockton’s Labour borough council can learn from Wales. Extended producer responsibility cuts waste and moves costs away from local authorities.

  • Mary Creagh Lab Wakefield

    Thanked the hon Member for raising the issue, noted circular economy focus of DEFRA, and expressed hope for further announcements on food waste.

Government Response

Nusrat Ghani

The Government prioritises transition to a circular economy. They aim to reduce waste by moving towards a system that values longevity, repair and reuse over disposal. The Minister outlined plans for simpler recycling, extended producer responsibility for packaging, and the deposit return scheme, noting these reforms will deliver transformational change, create jobs, stimulate investment, support economic growth and accelerate path to net zero. They committed to rolling out these initiatives by 2025-2027, aiming to tackle waste crime, clean up streets, boost recycling rates, drive business behaviour change, and divert non-recyclable waste from landfill.

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