May 2, 2025 (Packaging News) –
Voters back stronger action to tackle waste and pollution, new research from the Nature 2030 campaign has revealed.
With local elections having just taken place, the poll found that three quarters (74%) of respondents are concerned that not enough is being done by local councils to tackle litter and pollution in their area.
Strikes by refuse collectors are continuing in Birmingham, and 73% of voters say ministers should step in to collect waste.
The findings suggest environmental issues could prove decisive.
Nearly half of voters (43%) indicated they are more likely to vote for parties that prioritise tackling litter and pollution.
The research also revealed widespread dissatisfaction with current plastic packaging practices, with 78% agreeing there is still too much single-use plastic in food and drinks packaging.
Despite the Government’s announcement of a 2027 deposit return scheme (DRS) to reduce drinks-related litter, half (51%) of respondents were unaware of this initiative.
Meanwhile, data from the Marine Conservation Society shows a 9.5 percent rise in plastic pollution on UK and Channel Islands beaches between 2023 and 2024, with the five most commonly littered items all made of plastic.
Three-quarters (76%) of respondents say producers of plastic packaging should be responsible for funding clean-up schemes, not taxpayers.
Initiatives like the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) have been met with strong resistance from some UK businesses.
Ministers have confirmed that the Circular Economy Taskforce will make circularity one of its five priorities to help tackle waste and boost recycling.
Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, said: “This research shows the public urgently want to see concrete action to boost recycling, while stamping out our reliance on unnecessary single-use plastics that pollute our natural landscapes and waterways.
“The Government must recognise this is a priority issue for voters and support local authorities to tackle Britain’s waste crisis.”
Dominic Dyer, Chair, Nature 2030, said: “These findings reveal overwhelming public demand for action on waste and pollution and the need for stronger public education to support long-term solutions such as the DRS. Voters want both councils and producers to be held accountable for tackling our litter crisis.
“With environmental concerns increasingly influencing voting decisions, candidates in Thursday’s elections should take note – the public want meaningful change, not empty promises.”
Catherine Gemmell, Policy and Advocacy Manager, Marine Conservation Society, said: “With 158 items of litter found on average per 100 metres of beach surveyed by our volunteers last year, and over 13,000 items of litter removed from our towns, parks and rivers through our inland litter pick, it is clear that more has to be done at every level of government to stop litter polluting our ocean.”
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