Both countries have introduced import restrictions in response to receiving increased volumes of waste in the months since China’s ban on 24 grades of solid waste.

The waste management company has predicted a 300 per cent rise in the number of cups collected compared to this time last year.

The move, facilitated by compostable packaging company Vegware, means that both hot and cold certified compostable cups and lids are now allowed to be processed in any of the UK’s more than 100 windrow composting facilities

North London Waste Authority encourages people to ‘Wise Up To Waste’ and switch to reusable bottles, as new research shows that two-thirds of people say that they now possess one.

The charity has issued new guidance designed to clarify the confusion around different types of plastic packaging and how they are used.

The work portfolio of environmental consultancy firm Eunomia Research and Consulting continues to expand, with a commission to design a deposit return scheme for the Czech Republic and a new project to assess the circular economy potential of products in the EU market.

Coca-Cola and Merlin Entertainments will be trialling 14 reverse vending machines for drinks bottles in theme parks next year.

Critics have panned the BBC’s coverage of the controversial material, which the EU is in the process of restricting, with naturalist Chris Packham failing to declare his paid position as adviser with an oxo-plastics company during a televised discussion on the material.

Zero Waste Scotland is running a series of nationwide public engagement events giving details on potential schemes and seeking feedback from Scottish citizens.

The average fine against a company has risen from £23,731 in 2013/14 to £147,575 in 2017/18.