Plastics Recycling

Debate between Lord Gardiner of Kimble and Lord Swinfen

Wednesday 30th October 2019 Lords Chamber

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

We sometimes need to be careful about unintended consequences, which is why we have considered biodegradable and bio-based plastics. Some 13.5 billion plastic bottles are used in the UK each year; the current household recycling rate for them is 70%. Thirty per cent is not good, but I will take back what my noble friend has said because that is quite a lot of bottles to recycle.

[Lord Swinfen (Con)]

What is being done to clear up the large number of plastic bottles and other containers that are discarded alongside rural roads?

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

My Lords, it is a question of education and awareness. How do we discourage the one in five people in our great country who actually admit that they drop litter? I understand the pressures on local authorities and volunteers who, like me, pick up litter, but this situation is unacceptable. The truth is that we will crack this thoroughly only when everyone in the country, starting from the next generation, thinks that it is not acceptable to drop litter.