Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to publish an anti-littering strategy.

Littering is a crime that blights communities and the environment. This Government is considering what further steps are needed to help local authorities reduce litter and keep their streets clean.

In the meantime, we are introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks containers which is planned to launch in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland in October 2027.

DRS introduces a redeemable deposit on single-use in-scope drinks containers which can be claimed back by customers when returned. This will reduce litter, increase recycling rates, create high quality recycled materials for producers and promote a circular economy.

This Government has also introduced legislation banning the supply of single use vapes in England from 1 June 2025. A ban on these throwaway items will help to protect our environment and future generations from the harmful effects of single use vapes, whilst reducing litter.