Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Plastic Waste Increase: Covid-19

Thursday 25 June 2020 · 1 question

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • DEFRA continues to monitor material flows due to the covid-19 outbreak but has not made a specific estimate of the increase in plastic waste.
  • The Department remains committed to eliminating avoidable plastic waste by 2042, including plans to ban single-use plastics and introduce a deposit return scheme for drinks containers.
  • The necessity of plastic during the crisis is acknowledged, raising questions about planning for the unprecedented volume of unavoidable plastic waste.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Spellar Lab Warley
Environment
Context

Concerns about increased plastic waste generated from disposable personal protective equipment and mitigation measures for the catering industry.

Question

What estimate has DEFRA made of the increase in plastic waste as a result of the covid-19 outbreak? Is there a need to plan for this unprecedented volume of unavoidable plastic waste, especially given its necessity during the crisis?

Answer from Rebecca Pow (Minister for Rural Affairs and Biosecurity)

DEFRA continues monitoring material flows due to covid-19 but has made no specific estimate on plastic waste. The Department remains committed to eliminating avoidable plastic waste by 2042, including plans to ban single-use plastics and introduce a deposit return scheme for drinks containers. Regarding PPE and catering measures, companies are considering reusable options; DEFRA guides businesses to think about the lifecycle of plastic products.

Answered
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