People want to end the throwaway economy: Andy Burnham should take note
Brits hate waste
Whatever their differences, most people in Britain think throwaway culture, with its over consumption, pollution and in-built obsolescence is a huge problem.
Our polling shows people from every region and socioeconomic group agree something has to be done.
People like Rahimah, a visitor at an East London repair café, agree...
Labour voters are especially concerned
The Labour party has lost voters, left and right, since 2024, putting the next general election in question. Taking action to end throwaway economy could help win votes back.
People want action
Government actions that would end throwaway culture, from the right to repair to taxing resource wasting businesses, are strongly supported by the wider public.
This would also provide growth opportunities for businesses offering high quality products and services to satisfy customer demand.
Callum, a product returns specialist on B&Q's refurb team, shares his firsthand experience of the growing demand for refurbished items...
The government hasn't delivered so far
In 2024, Labour came to power promising to bring about a circular economy, one that keeps materials and products in use at their highest value.
Keir Starmer’s government acted early to appoint independent experts to help develop a strategy. But it has not been released.
His administration’s failure to deliver is worrying businesses, who need certainty to invest in what customers want. More than 50 leading voices recently called for the release of the long delayed plan.
A popular policy that voters and businesses want should be an early priority for the next Labour leader.
The government hasn't delivered so far
In 2024, Labour came to power promising to bring about a circular economy, one that keeps materials and products in use at their highest value.
Keir Starmer’s government acted early to appoint independent experts to help develop a strategy. But it has not been released.
The previous administration’s failure to deliver is worrying businesses, who need certainty to invest in what customers want. More than 50 leading voices recently called for the release of the long delayed plan.
A popular policy that voters and businesses want should be an early priority for the next Labour leader.
What's happened since the last general election?
June 2024
The Labour manifesto promised change:
“Labour is committed to reducing waste by moving to a circular economy”
July 2024
Mary Creagh became England's first circular economy minister, pledging to:
“… end the throwaway society and work towards a zero waste economy where resources are reused and recycled, creating new jobs and investment.”
November 2024
A taskforce of industry, academic and civil society experts was convened to advise the government:
“We have an opportunity to become an international leader in circular design, technology and industry.”
March 2025
Steve Reed, as environment secretary, outlined the government’s circular economy vision:
“This isn’t about merely modifying the way we currently manage waste. I want to work with all of you to fundamentally transform our economy, so we get more value from it.”
October 2025
A Circular Economy Strategy was due to be published.
June 2026
There was still no sign of a strategy when Keir Starmer resigned. People and businesses are still waiting for progress.
It's ready to go. It's popular. Andy Burnham shouldn't wait any longer.
After all, it worked when he was in Greater Manchester, where the SUEZ operated Renew Hub is the largest reuse operation in the UK...
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