ESA welcomes Budget proposals to boost plastics recycling
Environmental Services Association
The Environmental Services Association (ESA), the voice for the UK’s resource and waste management industry, today welcomed announcements in the Budget to tax plastic packaging that contains less than 30% recycled content.
ESA’s Executive Director, Jacob Hayler said:
“The industry has long been calling for measures to support end markets for recycling. Today the Chancellor has listened, and we welcome proposals to introduce a new tax on plastic packaging that contains less than 30% recycled content. Without stimulating the demand for recycled material, higher recycling rates will be unachievable.
“We are pleased that the Treasury has recognised that this is the most effective way to ensure the right incentives are in place for recycling, rather than to penalise Energy from Waste. An incineration tax would only burden local authorities and industry without doing anything to support greater recycling, and we are glad that the Treasury recognises the importance of Energy from Waste in sustainable waste management.
“This Budget has provided positive signs that the Government is taking seriously the need to manage our resources and waste carefully. We look forward to working with the Treasury on implementing a new plastics packaging tax to deliver a more circular economy.”
