The British government has confirmed that powers outlined in the new Environment Bill currently making its way through parliament will legislate on nappy waste.
Environment Minister Rebecca Pow stated on Tuesday 26 January that the new legislation – which is currently is progress – will include a focus on the waste caused by single-use nappies. This news follows a statement made by Lord Goldsmith in November that the Department for the Environment was looking to address disposable nappy-related pollution.
Speaking before the parliamentary debate, David Linden, SNP MP for Glasgow East, whose amendment prompted the official statement, commented: “My amendment sends a signal for meaningful environmental change. Single-use nappies represent nearly 3% of all UK household waste each year and it’s shameful that single-use nappy manufacturers are inflating their own eco-credentials while filling our landfills with billions of nappies each year.”
Mr Linden’s amendment to the Environment Bill is an important step towards combating single-use plastic pollution and helping families make informed choices about which nappies they use.
As chair of the Nappy Alliance, Guy Schanschieff commented on the news, saying: “It’s great to finally see nappies so high up on the agenda in parliament. Modern reusable nappies are an existing sustainable solution, they are easy to use, affordable, stylish – and they work.”
The amendment to the Environment Bill will:
• Stop single-use nappy manufacturers making false environmental claims,
• Promote the use of reusable nappies,
• Require the government to report on steps taken to reduce single-use nappy waste.
The debate itself saw four speakers focusing specifically on nappies, supporting the position that disposable nappies should become a primary focus when tackling single-use plastic waste.
