ESA Welcomes Budget Proposals to Stamp out Waste Crime and Single-use Plastics

The Environmental Services Association (ESA), the voice for the UK’s resource and waste management industry, today welcomed announcements in the Budget to tackle waste crime and reduce single-use plastics waste.

ESA’s Executive Director, Jacob Hayler said: “The Chancellor has listened to the industry’s calls to toughen the fight against waste crime, and the extra £30 million funding provided to the Environment Agency to help stamp out illegal activity in the sector is highly welcome. This will strengthen the industry’s efforts to boost recycling and resource productivity.

We are also pleased that the Government will consult on how to use tax measures and charges to reduce single-use plastics waste. By making producers more responsible for the end of life of their plastic products, eco-design will be properly rewarded and the pressure on local authorities’ budgets will be relieved.”