The Government has published its Resources and Waste Strategy for England, setting out proposals to minimise waste by eliminating avoidable plastics and increasing the productivity of non-biodegradable resources.

The Strategy follows on from the 25 Year Environment Plan and reaffirms the Government’s commitment to consult on a universal carrier bag charge in England, as is already the case in Wales and Scotland.

Areas covered by the Strategy include:

• Consultation on a future deposit return scheme in 2019, with a view to implementation by 2023
• Consultation on reform of the packaging waste recovery notes system which will require all producers to pay into the scheme (including retailers) in 2019
• New action to ensure that businesses separate their recycling and food waste from residual waste, along with further consultation on food waste reporting

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We welcome the resources and waste strategy, and continue to encourage retailers to promote sustainability in their businesses through initiatives like voluntary plastic bag charging and reducing product packaging where possible.

“All parts of the supply chain have a role to play when it comes to reducing the impact of single use plastics, but we remain concerned about any measures that result in what would effectively be taxing retailers and/or consumers twice on the same products. We will continue to work closely with DEFRA on how the convenience sector can play its part in reducing waste without unnecessary burdens.”

The full Resources and Waste strategy for England is available here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/765625/resources-waste-strategy-dec-2018.pdf