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Respond to the Plastic Pollution Plan Consultation in Northern Ireland

Plastic is being produced and consumed at unsustainable levels, driving pollution, fuelling the climate crisis, and threatening public health. The science is clear, and the solutions already exist – what’s missing is the political will and strong legislation to deliver real change.

Right now, Northern Ireland has the chance to lead the way. The government is consulting on a new Plastic Pollution Plan – the first of its kind in the UK – which could shape how we tackle plastic for decades to come. This is our opportunity to call for bold, ambitious measures that cut plastic at the source, protect communities and nature, and set a precedent for other nations to follow.

Why this matters

Northern Ireland is consulting on a new Plastic Pollution Plan. This is a chance for us to tell government that we need ambitious action to end plastic pollution by 2040. Northern Ireland is the first jurisdiction in the UK to form such a Plastic Pollution Plan, so it could set a president for other nations to follow. Therefore, Surfers Against Sewage are demanding it is as ambitious as possible.  

The plan is a step forward, but currently it: 

  • Focuses too much on recycling rather than reducing plastics at source. 
  • Lacks binding reduction targets for plastic production and consumption. 
  • Does not do enough on reuse, refill, or phasing out harmful plastics and chemicals. 

We need as many voices as possible calling for stronger action. Your response will help show the government that communities demand change. 

The deadline to respond is 24 September 2025 at 11.59 pm.

Start your response

How to respond

When you open the consultation form, you’ll see a series of questions. Below are the key ones to answer, with suggested points you can copy, adapt, or put into your own words. 

Q1. Are you responding as an individual or on behalf of an organisation? 

Tick “interested citizen”. 

(Add your own short intro if you like – e.g. “I am a volunteer with Surfers Against Sewage and care deeply about protecting our coasts and seas from plastic pollution.”) 

  Q3. Do you agree with the objectives set out in the Plastic Pollution Plan? 

Answer: Yes, but they do not go far enough. 

Suggested points: 

  • The objectives are welcome, but they focus too much on recycling and not enough on reducing plastic at source. 
  • The plan needs binding plastic reduction targets to cut the amount of plastic Northern Ireland uses, imports, and produces. 

  Q4. What alternative objectives would you like to see? 

 Suggested points: 

  • Add a clear objective to reduce plastic production and consumption in line with the UK’s support for an ambitious Global Plastics Treaty. 

Actions under this objective can include:

  • Commit to phasing out problematic and avoidable plastics (like sachets, wet wipes, expanded polystyrene). 
  • Introduce policies to tackle chemicals of concern in plastics, including PFAS and Bisphenol A. 
  • Ensure Northern Ireland’s plan aligns with EU rules and international best practice. 
  • Create a circular economy.

  Q5. Are the proposed actions enough to eliminate plastic pollution? 

 Answer: No. 

Suggested points: 

  • Recycling alone is not enough – the government must prioritize reducing plastic production as a whole.
  • Northern Ireland is falling behind other UK nations on bans – it must catch up and go further. 
  • Introduce a ban on plastic wet wipes (as Wales has committed to by 2026). 
  • Take action on fishing gear pollution by introducing gear marking, retrieval schemes, and extended producer responsibility for manufacturers. 

  Q8. Further measures (Objective 2)? 

 Suggested points: 

  • Ban plastic waste exports by 2027 – we should not dump our waste on other countries. 
  • Implement a strong Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme that makes polluters pay and incentivises reduction, not just recycling. 
  • Invest in reuse and refill systems, like refill stations in shops and returnable packaging. 

  Q10. Further measures (Objective 3)? 

Suggested points: 

  • Fully align with the EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive to prevent loopholes. 
  • Scale up refill infrastructure across Northern Ireland, with government support and standards. 
  • Work with the Republic of Ireland on cross-border solutions – plastic pollution doesn’t stop at borders. 

  Q11–12. Comments on actions in the plan & challenges to delivery 

 Suggested points: 

  • Actions need clear timelines, funding, and accountability – otherwise they risk being promises without delivery. 
  • The Deposit Return Scheme must include glass, plastic, and cans from the start, with no further delays. 

  Q13. Top 3 actions that would eliminate plastic pollution 

 Suggested list: 

The action plan must. 

  1. Cut plastic production at source  
  2. Create  a circular economy  
  3. Tackle Toxic chemicals of concern 

  Q15–16. Monitoring & reporting 

 Suggested points: 

  • Yes to monitoring, but it must be independent, transparent, and public. 
  • Include monitoring of microplastics in rivers, coasts, and seas. 
  • Track participation in reuse and refill schemes to ensure they are working. 

Start the consultation

Key messages to emphasise

  • Plastic pollution must be tackled at source by cutting production and consumption. 
  • Northern Ireland needs to catch up with the UK and Republic / EU on bans and plastic policies. 
  • Recycling is important, but it’s not enough – reuse, refill, and reduction are essential. 
  • Government must hold polluters to account through EPR and bans on harmful plastics. 
  • We need urgent action on ghost fishing gear, microplastics, and chemicals of concern. 

Tips for your response

✅ Use your own words where you can – personal stories make a big impact. 

✅ Keep it constructive but clear – be positive about progress while calling for much more ambition. 

✅ Even short responses matter – you don’t have to answer every question. 

By responding, you’re helping show that communities across Northern Ireland (and beyond) demand bold action to end plastic pollution. Together, we can hold government to account and protect our rivers, coasts, and seas. 

Start your consultation response

If you have any questions regarding how to answer this consultation or want any extra evidence to back up your points, please don’t hesitate the Policy and Advocacy Officer for Plastic Pollution, Ruby Free – ruby@sas.org.uk