Tax pique-nique
resource.co | 10 December 2009

France is imposing a ‘picnic tax’ of 90 cents per kilogramme on plastic and paper throwaway cups and cutlery in an effort to drive down the average 360kg of waste generated per Frenchman (or woman) per year. Jean-Louis Borloo, France’s environment minister, said the new levy is an extension of existing taxes on highly polluting products. Other ‘green’ taxes may soon be imposed on batteries and consumer electronics, including refrigerators and televisions.

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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?

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There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.