England’s single-use plastic ban
What is included in England’s single-use plastic ban?
On October 1st the Government continued its plan to eliminate single-use plastics.
Single-use straws, stirrers and cotton buds have already been prohibited, several more products have now been added to the ‘banned’ list.
The term ‘single use’ means items which are designed to be used only once for its original purpose
The ban includes:
Single-use plastic cutlery and balloon sticks
These are already banned with no exemptions.
Polystyrene food and drink containers
These are now banned (even if labelled with 6 PP recycling symbol). Exemptions apply such as food or drink needing further preparation including adding water, microwaving or toasting. Examples of this might include retailers selling raw mince supplied in a polystyrene tray.
Single-use plastic plates, bowls and trays.
Exemptions include:
- when supplying them to another business; or
- using the items as packaging (pre-filled or filled at the point of sale) such as a pre-filled salad bowl or ready meal packaged in a tray, plates filled at the counter of a takeaway, or trays used to deliver food.
It is essential to note the ban extends to new and existing stock of all single-use plastic variations including biodegradable, compostable, recycled and items wholly or partly made from plastic, including the coating or lining.
Non-compliance with this legislation may result businesses being fined. DEFRA has extended powers to inspectors so they can:
- visit shops or businesses
- make test purchases
- speak to staff
- request company records
For more comprehensive understanding of this change and its associated exemptions businesses can refer to the guidance published by The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
If you have any questions about what the new rules mean for your business, contact Plastics.Consultation@defra.gov.uk
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