In an article published on April 13, 2017 by the newspaper The Guardian, correspondent Rebecca Smithers reported on the city of London’s growing problem with waste from single-use plastic bottles. According to a report by the London Assembly Environment Committee, the city’s population has the highest plastic-bottled water consumption in England (i.e. 7.7 billion per year). Yet, London has the lowest recycling rate in the UK of 32%, compared to the national average of 43%. Therefore, the report calls on the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to specifically address the issue of plastic water bottle waste. The report further suggests that Khan “examines the feasibility and practicalities of a bottle deposit return scheme, which the government could later roll out nationwide,” Smithers informed. Also, tap water should be made more readily available at community refill facilities, train and underground stations, as well as bus stops, the report recommends. Khan’s spokesperson stated that the mayor “is extremely supportive of initiatives to help boost access to tap water on the go, such as stores and restaurants providing free tap water, and, rather than just a London scheme, believes that government needs to consider a national deposit return scheme to encourage the re-use of plastic water bottles.” The spokesperson further announced that Khan’s “forthcoming environment strategy will include proposals aimed at reducing food and drink waste, including packaging, and increasing recycling rates.”

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Rebecca Smithers (April 13, 2017). “London’s plastic water bottle waste is out of control, mayor is told.The Guardian

Reference

London Assembly Environment Committee (April 13, 2017). “Bottled water report.(pdf)

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