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Environment Bill - Sitting 14

12 November 2020

Proposing MP
George Howarth Lab
Knowsley
Type
Public Bill Committee

At a Glance

Issue Summary

MP Ruth Jones moves an amendment to Schedule 7 of the Environment Bill to change 'may' to 'must', aiming for stronger obligations on setting resource efficiency requirements. George Howarth is discussing amendments to the Environment Bill aimed at broadening the social dimensions considered when assessing products beyond just environmental impact. George Howarth is discussing the Environment Bill and debating amendments related to human rights, working conditions, public health, and social impacts of product manufacture, use, and disposal. Alan Whitehead discusses the challenges of defining when waste becomes a resource under the EU waste framework directive and questions whether the current UK law allows for efficient incorporation of circular economy principles. The statement addresses the Environment Bill's waste and resources section, focusing on reducing waste through eco-design and mandatory food waste collection by local authorities. MP George Howarth is discussing amendment 20 in schedule 8 of the Environment Bill, which seeks to require the establishment of a deposit return scheme rather than allowing it. The statement discusses technical amendments to ensure consistency and interoperability between deposit return schemes across the UK, focusing on aligning terminology with Scottish legislation. Alan Whitehead discusses the effectiveness of deposit schemes in motivating recycling and reducing fly-tipping of large items. The statement discusses amendments to Schedule 9 of the Environment Bill regarding charges for single-use plastic items. Rebecca Pow discusses the flexibility of imposing charges for littered plastics and argues against a mandatory duty without thorough investigation. The statement addresses concerns about an amendment in the Environment Bill that focuses on single-use plastics and proposes applying charges to such items. The committee voted on a motion and adjourned.

Action Requested

Rebecca Pow argues against changing 'may' to 'must', stating that flexibility is needed to address products with significant environmental impact when identified, and reassures that regulations will be made where benefits can be maximized. She also mentions the potential use of measures for absorbent hygiene products and other waste streams.

Key Facts

  • Ruth Jones moves Amendment 19 in Schedule 7.
  • Rebecca Pow opposes changing 'may' to 'must', citing the need for flexibility.
  • Absorbent hygiene products, textiles, furniture, electronics, and construction materials are mentioned as potential areas for regulation.
  • Amendments aim to insert social dimensions into schedule 7.
  • Includes consideration of human rights, public health, and fair working conditions.
  • Constituents frequently ask how best to do the right thing regarding these issues.
  • The amendments aim to include labour rights and social impacts in product standards.
  • Action is already underway through the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
  • Amendments were voted down with Ayes 4, Noes 7.
  • EU waste framework directive sets criteria for waste becoming a resource.
  • UK law replaces elements of the directive but may not fully incorporate circular economy principles.
  • Examples given include food waste and industrial waste reuse.
  • The Environment Bill requires local authorities to collect food waste from households.
  • Producers responsible for food surplus must take action to redistribute it.
  • The Bill aims to drive up resource efficiency by removing least resource-efficient products from the market.
  • Priority areas identified include clothing, furniture and electronic equipment.
  • The amendment would change 'may' to 'must' in relation to establishing a deposit return scheme.
  • The Government aims to reduce littering and increase recycling rates.
  • In 2019, UK consumers used 14 billion plastic drinks bottles, 9 billion drinks cans, and 5 billion glass bottles annually.
  • Current plastic bottle recycling rate is around 65%.
  • A well-designed DRS could achieve over 90% recycling rates.
  • Amendments 68 to 70 aim to correct a technical error concerning the designation of scheme administrators in Scotland.
  • The amendment enables interaction and engagement between scheme administrators established through deposit return schemes in Scotland.
  • The measure helps ensure that UK schemes can work together, including making payments between schemes.
  • Whitehead mentions reverse vending machines in France that offer credits for returned bottles.
  • He recalls the issue of burnt-out cars being dumped due to a lack of value but notes improvement with the end-of-life vehicles directive.
  • The waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) directive requires producers to take back products, though this process is indirect and may involve orphan products.
  • Amendment 21 seeks to change 'may' to 'must' in the Environment Bill.
  • The schedule allows for making regulations about charges for single-use plastic items.
  • Examples include charges on plastic bags in supermarkets and large stores.
  • The UK is seen as a world leader in tackling plastic pollution.
  • Oceana, a global organisation, watches and scrutinises the measures taken by the UK Government.
  • The amendment seeks to reduce single-use plastic consumption through charges.
  • In 2019, the Marine Conservation Society recorded over 150 pieces of plastic per 100 metres of beach.
  • The call for evidence in March 2018 received 162,000 responses supporting taxes and charges on single-use plastics.
  • The 5p charge on single-use carrier bags has had a significant impact.
  • The Committee divided: Ayes 4, Noes 8.
  • Question negatived.
  • The Committee was adjourned until later that day at Two o'clock.
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