Thank you for contacting me about the plastic free Parliament campaign.
Without urgent action to cut demand, plastic production is likely to reach 34 billion tonnes by 2050, the majority of which will end up in landfill or polluting the world's continents and oceans. The re-using and recycling of plastics has a valuable environmental contribution to make and I am glad to tell you that the new 25 Year Plan to Improve the Environment commits the Government to working to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste over its lifetime. It sets out a four-point plan for action at each stage of the product lifecycle: production, consumption and end of life. All this will result in the reduction of the demand and use of single-use plastic.
I am informed that none of Parliament's waste goes to landfill, with Parliament operating a mixed recycling scheme which captures paper, cardboard, plastics and cans, resulting in the recycling of as much waste as possible. In addition, my colleagues continue to explore new opportunities to recycle and recover waste.
I am also pleased to be able to share with you that that Parliament is currently reviewing the use of single use disposable plastics and is actively involved in a range of initiatives and pilot schemes looking to reduce the amount plastic thrown away.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me
