A Look at London’s Plastic Waste Problem

A recent report by the London assembly environment committee reveals that London consumes more plastic bottled water than anywhere else in England.

Waste360 Staff, Staff

April 14, 2017

1 Min Read
A Look at London’s Plastic Waste Problem

A recent report conducted by the London assembly environment committee reveals that London consumes more plastic bottled water than anywhere else in England. And in an effort to reduce that waste, the report urges London Mayor Sadiq Khan to address the issue of plastic bottle waste in his upcoming environmental strategy and make tap water more easily accessible.

One company trying to reduce London’s use of plastic is startup Skipping Rocks Lab, which has created biodegradable balls filled with natural or flavored water. Ooho balls, which are made of plant and seaweed extracts, decompose after four to six weeks if they aren’t consumed.

The Guardian has more details:

The amount of waste from single-use plastic bottles in London has risen out of control, according to a report from the London assembly environment committee.

It calls on the mayor to consider introducing a deposit return scheme and to provide free tap water as an alternative.

The report, published on Thursday, finds that the London population consumes more plastic bottled water than anywhere else in England – 7.7bn a year – yet has the worst recycling rate in the UK – 32%, compared with a national average of 43%.

Read the full story here.

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