The new approach called for on waste incineration (Increase in burning of plastic ‘driving up emissions from waste disposal’, 16 November) is a welcome acknowledgment of a longstanding and growing problem. To reduce waste to landfill, the authorities needed another waste stream for unrecyclable materials, including much soft plastic and film packaging. Even now, most publicity urging greater recycling take-up mentions reduction in waste to landfill, rather than the larger problem of incineration. In addition, the proponents of incineration have been allowed to get away with the much more positive branding of “waste to energy” to speed this growth. Many local campaigns have been fought against incinerators, but these need wider backing. Mass publicity needs to be focused on reuse, reduction, repair and the circular economy.
Tim Dumper
Exmouth, Devon
• Your report (Global treaty to tackle plastic pollution gains steam without US and UK, 16 November) does not mention the two main components of microplastics in our oceans: fragments from the washing of synthetic clothing, 35%, and tyre dust, 28%. The obvious steps to take are to move to wearing (and washing) only natural fabrics, and to move away from road transport (to rail and public transport, and more regional economies with shorter freighting distances).
Alan Mitcham
Cologne, Germany
