Plastics

The Isle of Man Single Use Plastics Reduction Plan

The global threat from plastic pollution has been likened to that of climate change by the United Nations. Marine plastics cause direct impacts on marine species, such as tangling and choking, but also tiny plastic particles and associated toxins are infiltrating all levels of the marine food chain, creating a problem which will impact on generations well into the future. Single use plastics also often represent an unsustainable use of resources and make a significant contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions.

The Isle of Man government is committed to reducing the amount of single use plastic used within government and on the island. The Single Use Plastics Reduction Plan for the Isle of Man Government demonstrates how we will deliver significant usage reductions within government. The second phase of the plastic reduction plan will develop an island wide plastic reduction scheme.

The majority of the Isle of Man’s waste plastic is efficiently processed and the energy it contains is recycled into electricity, however some plastics do find their way into the environment and it is important to tackle this issue. The initial focus of plastic reduction is largely focused on Government activity, whilst the next phase will address wider single use plastic issues through-out the Isle of Man and engage with the private sector and the public to minimise usage of single use plastics.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture also works in partnership with Manx Wildlife Trust and Beach Buddies on initiatives to inform and educate on plastics issues and reduce plastics in the Manx environment.

If you would like to have an input into the second phase of the plastics plan please email: plastics@gov.im.