In 2018, the total amount of waste exported in the UK was almost 450 million kg.
Plastic Waste, government report published March 2020
Of the estimated 5 million tonnes of plastic used every year in the UK, about half is packaging. Plastic waste often does not decompose and can last centuries in landfill, or else end up as litter in the natural environment, which in turn can pollute soils, rivers and oceans, and harm the creatures that inhabit them.
Current government targets:
- to “…work towards all plastic packaging placed on the market being recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025.”
- an “ambition” of zero avoidable waste by 2050.
- a “target” of eliminating avoidable plastic waste by end of 2042.