AM proposes deposit law in eco battle

PLAID Cymru AM Simon Thomas has proposed a new law to reduce the amount of waste we put in landfill.

One of the measures to achieve the goal of a zero-waste Wales by 2030 could be the introduction of plastic, glass and can deposit schemes.

Environmental campaigners have urged the Labour government in Wales to introduce a 10p deposit on bottles, cans and cartons. Charity Friends of the Earth Cymru said it could help to reduce litter.

Mr Thomas, the Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Climate Change and Rural Affairs, said: “Last year I did a beach clean and I was surprised to find so many plastic bottle tops on the beach in Llansteffan, Carmarthenshire. One way we could cut down on our rubbish is by having a new deposit scheme.”

“This bill I’ve proposed would reduce waste by proposing plastic, glass and can deposit schemes. The Waste Reduction (Wales) Bill would reduce waste through placing stricter requirements on food producers and retailers. It would also enable people to increase the amount of waste they recycle.”