The Big Plastic Count 2026

Thank you to everyone who contacted me about plastic pollution. I deeply share your concerns about the levels of plastic waste. As you know, plastic often does not decompose and can end up as litter in our natural environment. I absolutely agree we need to keep our resources in use for longer and work towards a zero-waste society.

I therefore strongly support the shift to a circular economy and I look forward to our Government’s upcoming Growth Plan to achieve this. I will follow developments on this. I also welcome our Government’s guidance to local authorities to embed circular economy approaches into local government.

As you may know, our Government introduced bans on single use vapes and wet wipes containing plastics. I understand Ministers continue to review the latest evidence on problematic products and materials to ensure we reduce our use of unnecessary single-use plastic products and encourage re-use solutions.

I welcome the Simpler Recycling rules which came into force in March this year. This streamlines the household waste collection process and makes it easier for people to recycle wherever they live. From March 2027, councils will be required to collect plastic-film from all households and workplaces. Simplifying these rules will cut out carbon, clean up our streets and help bring pride back into our communities.

I also look forward to the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for plastic and metal drinks containers, due to come into operation in October 2027 in England. It will include a right of first refusal to allow producers to purchase collected material at market value. This will encourage brands to source material from the UK market for recycled content.

Regarding waste exports, it is important that we keep this under review. We need to make sure we improve the way we manage our waste and recycling. I know Ministers are focused on ensuring that the plastic waste we export is treated appropriately and that there is a level playing field for domestic recycling.

Ultimately, recycling is great, and I encourage it wholeheartedly, but it is better if we do not need it in the first place, and if we can reduce the need for recycling. We need to end the throwaway society, and I am proud our Government is working towards a circular economy.

Thank you once again for contacting me about this issue. I can assure you I will continue to support measures to tackle plastic waste.