MPs have stated that consumers should be charged a 25p "latte levy" on disposable coffee cups.

The Environmental Audit Committee said revenue would be used for improving recycling facilities and they want all disposable coffee cups to be recycled by 2023.

Coffee chain Pret A Manger currently gives discounts to customers who bring their own reusable cups.

Committee chairwoman, Mary Creagh, said: "The UK throws away 2.5 billion disposable coffee cups every year, enough to circle the planet five-and-a-half times.

"Almost none are recycled and half-a-million a day are littered.

"Coffee cup producers and distributors have not taken action to rectify this and government has sat on its hands.

"The UK's coffee shop market is expanding rapidly, so we need to kick-start a revolution in recycling.

Starbucks has said it will do a three-month trail of a 5p paper cup charge in up to 25 London shops from February onwards.

They added that their trial last year of giving 50p discounts for customers using reusable cups was ineffective.

Laura Foster, head of clean seas at the Marine Conservation Society, commented: "Just like the plastic bag charge we are all now familiar with, a charge added to our coffee at the point of purchase will help consumers think about whether to take a refill cup to the cafe.

"We totally agree with the committee that if 100% recycling of coffee cups isn't reached by 2023, then there should be an outright ban on providing them.

Let us know in the comments what you think of the proposed changes.