Home > Press releases > 2002
20 May 2002
Friends of the Earth today welcomed reports that the Government is
considering a tax on plastic bags to reduce litter and pollution. The
move would mirror a similar scheme introduced in Ireland which has seen
a dramatic fall in the number of plastic bags being wasted. However,
FOE warned that tackling the problem of plastic bags would only be a
drop in the ocean. The Government must deal with the waste crisis with
doorstep recycling collection schemes for every household.
Mike Childs, Recycling Campaigner at Friends of the Earth said:
“Introducing a tax would be a welcome move which would make
people think twice about taking unnecessary plastic bags.
However, such a scheme must be part of a broader Government
strategy to tackle waste and drag the UK away from the
foot of the European recycling league table. What we really want to
see is a compulsory doorstep recycling collection scheme
for every household.”
A selection of Recycling Rates for Municipal Waste in Europe
and North America (year)
Switzerland 49.7% (00) Austria
49.7% (00)
Germany 48 % (96)
Netherlands 46% (98)
Norway 40% (00)
Sweden 34% (97)
USA 31.5% (98)
Finland 30
% (97)
Denmark 31% (96)
Canada 29% (97)
Spain 20% (97)
Italy 13% (97)
France 12
% (93)
England 12% (00/01)
Scotland 6.9% (00/01)
N Ireland 5% (98/9)
Wales 4.7% (98/9)
Contact details:
Friends of the Earth
26-28 Underwood St.
LONDON
N1 7JQ
Tel: 020 7490 1555
Fax: 020 7490 0881
Web: www.foe.co.uk/feedback.html
Media team
