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Written question asked by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green Party) on Wednesday, 6 September 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 20 September 2023. It was answered by Lord Benyon (Conservative) on Friday, 15 September 2023 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Washing Machines: Microplastics

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the costs of installation of microplastic fibre capture filters on domestic washing machines; and what engagement they have had with industry regarding the feasibility of installing such filters.

Answer

The UK Government has taken significant steps to tackle plastic pollution (eg. microplastics), including restricting the supply of several single-use plastics through introducing a plastic packaging tax from April 2022; restricting the supply of plastic straws, plastic drink stirrers, and plastic-stemmed cotton buds; and preventing billions of plastic micro-beads from entering the ocean each year by introducing a ban on microbeads in rinse off personal care products.

Defra have been working closely with industry to understand the costs of installing microfibre filters on washing machines with prices ranging from £30 to £122 per machine dependant on manufacturer and whether the filters are disposable or re-useable. Defra’s Plan for Water includes a commitment for industry to develop low cost, effective microfibre filters on washing machines and encourage their effective use.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL9924
Session
2022-23
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Industry Pollution control Washing machines Microplastics Water filters
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk