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Written question asked by Kerry McCarthy (Labour) on Friday, 22 March 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 April 2024 (named day). It was answered by Robbie Moore (Conservative) on Monday, 15 April 2024 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Microplastics: Washing Machines

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help prevent microplastics entering waterways from washing machines.

Answer

Government recently funded an external rapid evidence assessment to better understand the costs, benefits, and efficiencies of installing filters in washing machines. The filters aim to trap textile microplastic fibres during the laundry cycle and before discharge to sewer networks and wastewater treatment works. The assessment concluded further evidence was needed to determine how to avert additional costs incurred by consumers of new washing machines with filters, and the consumer’s sustainable disposal of used filters. Industry are currently conducting research and developing proposals to develop filters that meet this criteria, and Government are happy to review any research in this area.

A water industry investigation of the levels and types of microplastics entering a range of UK wastewater treatment works reported that conventional treatment can remove 99% of microplastics by number and 99.5% by mass.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
20030
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Inland waterways Pollution control Washing machines Microplastics
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk