Lib Dems would introduce 5p disposable coffee cup charge

The Liberal Democrats have announced they would introduce a 5p charge on disposable coffee cups.

Currently 2.5 billion disposable cups are thrown away every year in the UK - around 7 million every day - and fewer than 1 in 400 are recycled.

The policy would build on the success of the charge on plastic bags introduced by the Liberal Democrats in government, which has seen a 85% reduction in plastic bag use since it was brought in.

Money raised from 5p coffee cup charge would go to charitable causes chosen locally, as with the plastic bag charge, with the encouragement to support environmental charities. The plastic bag charge raised at least £29.2 million in England alone during the first six months of the policy being introduced.

Alongside this measure, the Liberal Democrats will increase recycling and have promised to pass a "Zero Waste Act" which will include a legally-binding recycling target of 70% in England.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for NW Hampshire Alex Payton said:

"This small change will make a huge difference to our environment.

"Most people purchase their morning coffee and throw away the cup without even thinking about it. Our 5p charge would increase awareness of the environmental impact and change consumer behaviour towards using re-usable cups and mugs."

Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary Kate Parminter said:

"Liberal Democrats brought in the plastic bag charge and it's proved highly successful - coffee cups are the next logical step.

"For the Liberal Democrats protecting our environment and tackling climate change is a priority. We can and must act."