Plastic waste is a hot topic in the UK at the moment, with Theresa May announcing her ambition to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste within 25 years, in a speech delivered on Thursday, January 11th.

The Prime Minister promised to extend the hugely successful 5p levy on plastic bags to smaller shops, and seek evidence on a possible charge on single-use plastic containers, such as takeaway boxes.

Her proposed policies also included plastic-free aisles in supermarkets.

She said: “In years to come, I think people will be shocked at how today we allow so much plastic to be produced needlessly.

“Much of this waste ends up in waterways and oceans, with one in three fish caught in the Channel containing pieces of plastic.”

The UK Marine Conservation Society, (MCS) which is based in Ross-on-Wye, told the Ross Gazette that “30% of litter comes from the general public.”

“That is items that are dropped and not disposed of properly. This is either on the beach or inland, where litter can go down drains, rivers and canals which eventually lead out into our ocean. The other sources are, shipping, fishing, fly-tipping and sewage related debris such as wet wipes and cotton bud sticks, items that are put down the toilet instead of the bin.”

Environment Secretary Michael Gove told the BBC he wanted the government to “set the global gold standard” on the environment. He also said ministers were "reflecting" on a proposal from a Commons committee for a 25p charge on disposable cups, a proposal which is fully supported by the Marine Conservation Society.

In the last five years, the MCS Beachwatch beach clean and survey programme has seen an increase of 93% in coffee cups found on UK beaches. The UK’s leading marine charity says having to pay extra will highlight to consumers that their cardboard coffee cup is typically lined with plastic, meaning recycling is extremely difficult.

“We totally agree with the committee that if 100% recycling of coffee cups isn’t reached by 2023, then there should be an outright ban on providing them – and that date should be set in stone. Only by treating this issue as one that is the responsibility of both industry and consumers will re-use become the norm in place of single-use and throw away.”

Last year, a YouGov survey for MCS revealed that 74% of people questioned across the UK would support a charge on single use coffee cups.

Following this, the Ross Gazette decided to do a survey on social media, to see what our readers felt in regards to a possible 25p charge on single-use coffee cups.

83% of people on Twitter said they would be in favour of the charge, out of a survey of 162 people.

And almost all of the Facebook responses were also in favour, with most comments suggesting the importance of travel mugs, and a need to reduce litter and landfill.

Ella Shellaphant said: “Necessary to reduce landfill and pollution. Reusable cups all the way :)”

Helen Snook commented: “Do both - charge and serve in own travel mug. Yes something needs to be done to cut litter in the area.”

Comments against, suggested that the charge would put them off buying coffee due to the excess, and that 25p is too much, as it is five times more than the 5p carrier bag charge. “The problem is that they are not being sent to the recycled,” said Simon Adshead.

Ian Murray commented: “I feel it is down to coffee shops to buy and use cups that can be recycled without me subsidising them to not bother.”

Karen Morgan added: “If I regularly got a take away coffee I’d happily take my own cup, but for a one off why should the consumer be charged more and not the company for not using recyclable products.”

Some of the most largest coffee chains are now bringing financial benefits for those prepared to recycle, for example, Pret a Manger offer 50p off hot drinks if customers bring their own reusable cups.

Starbucks also offer 25p off, but say that only 2% of their customers are taking advantage of this initiative.

Costa also offers a 25p discount, and Greggs offers a 20p discount. Customers who buy Greggs’ own reusable cup for £2 will also get their first hot drink free.

Caffe Nero also offer double loyalty stamps when you use a reusable cup. Once you’ve got nine stamps you get a free hot drink.