[alexis_read]

Tbh the main issues in the UK are 2: Non-homogeneous packaging eg. Cardboard food containers with plastic windows - maybe a tax applied to this package type would help.

Inconsistent disposal/recycling between boroughs/counties - there should be a countrywide mandate for recyclability types for the consumer, regardless of how those types are actually disposed of. Eg. Everyone has a food wastebin even if the council has to throw it with the rest (it doesn't have the facilities).

Educating people to recycle is difficult enough without the inconsistencies.

edit Taxing packaging by weight and type would theoretically work to minimise packaging and encourage eg. Bringing a tupperware container to the shops. You'd also need to (countrywide) standardise container types so then you could eg. Put your standard coffebean container under the supermarket dispenser and do away with packaging.

The above is a thought experiment btw. Usual dicussions about personal freedom vs state apply, but the driving force there is valid :)

[alexis_read]

After re-reading this, I realised I wasn't clear on the taxation - this would apply to manufacturers not consumers, thus incentivising them to advertise green credentials as a feature, and to cut down packaging or pass the cost on (at which point most customers would move to the cheaper product).

As far as non-homogeneous packaging goes, if it takes longer than 5sec to separate each bit into homogeneous parts, then I'd class it as non-homogeneous.