Disposable Cups Ban

Lord Laming Excerpts

Monday 21st May 2018 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Vere of Norbiton]

I thank my noble friend for his question. In fact, 88% of all local authorities now recycle the most widely recycled materials, including plastic bottles. Obviously, there is much more to be done; many other types of plastics cannot currently be recycled. We are, for example, looking at black plastic and working with the industry. We expect a sustainable recycling system to be in place by the end of 2018.

[Lord Laming (CB)]

My Lords, does the Minister agree that at least Parliament is moving forward and moving toward producing a range of compostable materials, including cups?

[Baroness Vere of Norbiton]

The noble Lord is right. However, there is always an issue with biodegradable-type plastic: it does not degrade. When we recycle plastic, we often need the structure of the plastic to hold its form so that it can be used for other materials. Of course, biodegradables and compostables go to mush and are of no use as recycling materials.