Two district councillors are backing a campaign to phase out single-use plastic gloves from petrol stations, warning that a “staggering” number are ending up in hedgerows and waterways.
Cllr Tricia Watson and Cllr Gill Thomas, members of a cross-party county litter working group, are supporting Stroud-based environmental group Litter Free, which has been highlighting the issue for several years.
Litter Free founder Eric Torrington says discarded gloves are a growing problem across the district, with lightweight plastics often blown from bins into roads, hedges and storm drains — contributing to long-term pollution in local waterways. Since 2021, he has personally collected 20,000 gloves across Stroud District.
“We have gathered UK-wide evidence to prove that the brief convenience of a plastic glove isn’t worth years of environmental damage,” he said.
Litter Free says Tesco has removed gloves from its Quedgeley forecourt and is now urging the retailer to extend the policy nationwide.
The campaign scored a local victory last year when Esso removed plastic gloves from its Dudbridge Road petrol station.
Cllr Watson (Green, Chalford) has written to Tesco’s head office endorsing the campaign. She said: “Single-use items cause so much litter, and disposable plastic gloves are a visible source of microplastic contamination, often ending up in hedgerows, drainage systems and waterways.
“Tesco has apparently already removed gloves at one location and we hope this letter encourages them to make it national policy. This would deliver lasting positive change for our shared environment and directly support Tesco’s sustainability commitments.”
Cllr Thomas (Green, Minchinhampton) added: “Small, practical changes can make a tangible difference; removing single-use plastic gloves leads to cleaner streets. If we can now get a major retailer like Tesco to lead the way with a nationwide policy, others will follow- and that would be a win for residents, retailers and the environment.”
Mr Torrington said the proposal was a “simple win-win”.
“It would help retailers meet their national sustainability targets by slashing their single-use plastic footprint, and there would be less plastic pollution in our local environment. It wouldn’t inconvenience drivers – those who prefer to use gloves could keep a reusable pair in their cars or ask staff to lend them a pair.”
