But, there is still much more to do. We have seen a shift in culture in terms of people sorting their waste and recycling at home, but this behaviour is not reflected when people are out and about, even when recycling bins are available. I am clear that our on-the-go recycling levels need to improve. In recent months, we have seen a rise in the public consciousness and community action when it comes to the need to tackle single-use plastic waste, thanks in large part to the BBC’s Blue Planet programme. But long before that, back in January 2017, the Welsh Government commissioned the Eunomia report on extended producer responsibility—EPR for short.

The researchers were asked to evaluate a range of methods to increase waste prevention and recycling and reduce litter. The focus was on six types of food and drink packaging, including drinks bottles and cans and single-use coffee cups. The summary report, published today, provides information on a range of options including deposit-return schemes, taxes or charges on single-use cups and changes to current EPR regulations. Since this report was commissioned, there have been developments at a UK level, and in some areas it makes sense for us to work together with DEFRA and the other devolved administrations.

I am currently considering a UK-wide deposit-return scheme and will meet my counterparts from the UK and Scottish Governments about this issue next week. Any scheme must, of course, take account of the risks and benefits to existing provision and recycling levels and build on the work we have already done here in Wales. In addition, I am considering amendments to the producer responsibility obligations regulations so that producers and retailers pay a larger share of waste management costs. Messages from our recent stakeholder workshops will feed into this. We continue to work with HM Treasury on a UK single-use plastics tax. At the same time, we will continue to consider a tax, levy or charge on single-use beverage cups for Wales, as recommended in the Eunomia report. The mandatory use of reusable cups and a potential pilot is also something I am considering.

Developing approaches on a UK-wide basis can be less complicated for consumers and better for businesses, who have told us they prefer this approach, particularly as we prepare for Brexit. We want to take a comprehensive, well-thought-out, long-term approach that has a positive long-term impact. The Eunomia study has helped paint a picture of what is best for Wales. Building on this work, further feasibility studies will be commissioned to assess how a deposit-return scheme might impact on municipal recycling performance and to look at the composition and sources of litter in Wales.

The Volvo Ocean Race summit visits Cardiff in June and will focus the world’s attention on what we are doing to tackle plastic in Wales. Last month, I announced that Wales will become the first Refill nation in the world. I know there has been much interest in this area from Members and I am working with Refill to further develop their app and work with Welsh businesses, charities and major events to help make Wales single-use plastic bottle free, with refill points and stations across the country. This will include work with Dŵr Cymru to build the Welsh brand, and develop a behavioural change campaign to help people see the value of our water, and make tap water the top choice for hydration.

Today, I can announce that the Welsh Government has signed up to WRAP's UK plastics pact. This is a collaboration of Governments, businesses, local authorities, non-governmental organisations and consumers who are committed to playing their part in reducing the amount of plastic waste generated in the UK. WRAP Cymru, funded by the Welsh Government, is producing a plastics recycling route-map for Wales. This will recommend action to increase the use of recyclate in plastic manufactured in Wales. The £6.5 million circular economy capital investment fund for 2019-20 will contribute to this goal. 

I also announced last month an additional £15 million of capital funding over three years for the collaborative change programme. This will further improve local authority recycling collection systems and infrastructure, including for plastics. In the coming weeks, I will meet organisers of major events in Wales to increase the recycling of plastic and reduce the use of single-use plastics.

But, I am clear we must practice what we preach on this, and I am committed to ensuring Welsh Government offices are single-use plastic free by the end of this Assembly term. We are already taking significant steps towards this. As a result of the 25p charge for the use of disposable cups, around 75 per cent of hot drinks sold in our canteens are sold in a reusable cup. We do not use plastic straws, stirrers or cutlery in our canteens. In addition, Welsh Government will continue to influence the broader public sector in Wales, for example through catering disposables procurement contracts across the Welsh Government estate, working with Value Wales.

Later this year, I will consult on regulations to implement Part 4 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 that will require businesses and public sector bodies to separate different types of waste, just like households in Wales have been doing for years. This will significantly contribute to recycling rates in Wales, and it is only right that the onus is on all of us to take action.

I make no apologies for our pride in our record on recycling and tackling waste in Wales. I want to take this opportunity to make clear my thanks to partners and public alike: without your hard work, commitment and enthusiasm we wouldn’t be where we are today.

Llywydd, I am keen to build on this success. We were the first in the UK to bring in a plastic carrier bag charge. We can lead the way once again and make Wales the first in the world when it comes to recycling. Diolch yn fawr.