Plastic Waste Increase Covid-19 2020-06-25
2020-06-25
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Concerns about increased plastic waste generated from disposable personal protective equipment and mitigation measures for the catering industry.
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?
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.
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