Plastic waste exports targeted in new environment bill

Binding targets on air, water quality and wildlife proposed to replace EU rules

Powers to prevent the export of plastic waste to developing countries, binding targets on air and water quality and the protection of wildlife will be enshrined in law under the environment bill due to be introduced in parliament on Thursday.

The commitments will replace the UK's current obligations on environmental protection under EU law, and the UK will be able to diverge in future from new requirements in EU regulations.