By Ellis Ranger

As of April 2022, all companies operating inside of the U.K will have to pay a so-called plastic tax. It applies to plastic either imported into or manufactured in the UK and does not contain at least 30% recycled plastic.

The objective is relatively simple and it is to promote the re-use of plastic packaging and overall recycling efforts. It is hoped that the tax will end up reducing the amount of plastic that would otherwise be burned or put in landfill. 

But the lack of knowledge surrounding this tax is quite alarming. That’s according to a recent survey by Veolia which says that 83% of businesses are unaware of the upcoming change. But the tax hasn’t been met with anger. In fact, 84% of businesses surveyed were in favour of the tax and the positive effects that could come from it.

What is the ‘plastic tax’?

With the 2022 creeping ever closer, it is important that businesses understand the tax as the impact it will have on larger distributers could be rather big. The government says that the tax will cost companies £200 per tonne of plastic that doesn’t meet the 30% requirement. But smaller distributors of plastic are to be made exempt from the tax. This perhaps further pushes the importance that companies are made aware of the tax and whether it applies to them or not.

The new tax will come into force around a year on from the ‘plastic bag tax’ which began in May. Retail plastic bags doubled from 5p to 10p, adding to an ever-growing list of green laws.

The government website does mention that the tax should not have any significant macroeconomic implications. Instead it should be more of an economic incentive to promote more green practices across all businesses who deal with large amounts of plastic packaging. It is hoped that the tax will see businesses cutting down on heavy use of plastic, or recycling more efficiently. As of August 2021, it is stated that the new tax is expected to impact around 20,000 businesses directly. Anyone who tries to avoid paying the tax will receive civil and criminal penalties.

What can CBS Waste do to help?

At CBS Waste, we are big on recycling and a minimum of 80% of the waste we collect gets recycled. Even with the ‘plastic tax’, there will still be a need for us to help with commercial and domestic jobs.

Call us today for a quote on 01480 220434 or email info@cbs-waste.org.