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Foe backs plastic bag tax
20 May 2002
And calls for doorstep recycling schemes
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)
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jun 2008
