- UK households are estimated to discard 1.6 billion pieces of plastic packaging every week, according to the latest Big Plastic Count survey.
- The survey, which involved over 68,000 participants, revealed that 82 per cent of the plastic waste recorded originated from food and drink packaging, with fruit and vegetables being the most prevalent category.
- Tesco and Sainsbury's together accounted for almost half (46 per cent) of the fruit and vegetable packaging counted, much of which is difficult-to-recycle soft film plastic.
- A significant amount of this plastic waste is incinerated, contributing to air pollution and health inequalities, particularly in more deprived communities.
- Everyday Plastic is calling on the government to remove plastic packaging from uncut fruit and vegetables by 2030, stop new waste incinerator construction, and end the export of plastic waste, highlighting that plastic production is out of control.
IN FULL
Plastic production ‘out of control’ as UK households throw away 1.6bn pieces every week
