The Big Plastic Count is the UK’s biggest plastic investigation – helping to gather the evidence needed to push for action against plastic. MP Andrew Western took part, along with his constituency team in Stretford and Urmston.

In total, Andrew and his team collected 50 pieces of plastic over one week, which is the equivalent of 2600 pieces of plastic over the year.

After urging his constituents to join in with the Big Plastic Count, over 40 of them took part and contacted Andrew to share their results.

Andrew Western, MP for Stretford and Urmston, said: “Those that took part in the Big Plastic Count were shocked by how much plastic waste gets exported, landfilled, or incinerated, when we all think we are doing a good thing by recycling.

“I’ve written to the DEFRA Secretary of State, to ask what the Government’s strategy is for reducing plastic production and usage and for increasing recycling rates. I will share the Secretary of State’s response when I receive it.”