More than seven in ten (71%) consumers say supermarkets and retailers use too much packaging, according to new research.
The research, conducted by YouGov for the Local Government Association (LGA), also found that nearly nine in 10 (88%) believe only recyclable material should be used in packaging, and that it should have clearer labelling.
Meanwhile, 85% of people think companies should be required by the government to reduce the amount of packaging used and that councils are six times more likely to be trusted to run waste and recycling services (52%) than the government (6%) or industry (8%).
Research last year found that more than a quarter (26%) of UK consumers would avoid a brand if products arrived in unnecessary packaging.
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Research in 2021 found that supermarkets were producing nearly 900,000 tonnes of plastic packaging.
The LGA is now calling on the government to ensure that councils will continue to have the autonomy and freedom to run waste and recycling services tailored to their communities.
It also wants to ensure that councils receive the funding needed to deliver local waste services in good time to enable long-term planning.
Cllr Darren Rodwell, environment spokesperson for the LGA, said: “Public satisfaction with waste services remains high, it is something councils work hard to achieve and we are pleased to see the public most trust councils to lead local waste services.
“Good packaging is essential for keeping products fresh and intact, and producers are doing more to reduce waste and support recycling. But everybody can see the levels of waste, across our shop shelves, delivered to our homes, and into our bins. Councils see it every day and spend millions dealing with it.
“We support reforms for packaging producers taking responsibility for meeting costs and in helping further reduce and recycle packaging waste, it is crucial that the costs are met and that councils continue to lead local waste and recycling services.”
Last year, the government announced reforms to household and business bin collections, as well as unscrupulous waste carriers to help boost recycling.
