The British Plastics Federation is calling for the introduction of more stringent anti-litter and anti-dumping measures to prevent an accumulation of used products on beaches.
Responding to the recent publication of the Beachwatch 2007 Report, BPF director general Peter Davis said: “Used plastics articles have a value to society and should not be irresponsibly disposed of. In use they prevent food wastage. They bring improved hygiene and healthcare and they save energy because they are lightweight. They have also enabled manufacturers in the UK to move away from older, smokestack industries.
“Above all,” he emphasised, “plastics products can be recycled and there have been significant recent increases in recycling. Strategies to deal with litter on the beaches should focus on personal responsibility with a judicious mixture of carrots and sticks. Education has a big role to play, together with increased collection facilities on beaches. However increased surveillance of beaches and more severe punishments for the perpetrators of littering must feature heavily.”
He said the BPF believes this is a topic best dealt with objectively with a firm grasp on science.
