The Welsh Government has announced that a number of single-use plastics have been banned, following a commitment to climate and nature emergency responses.
This new law will see the supply and use of single-use plastics banned, with this bringing about a reduction in the amount of plastic pollution in the environment. This comes as part of the Welsh Government’s response to the climate and nature crises, whilst building on the momentum that has been brought about by communities all across Wales as they have ‘chosen to go plastic free, defy throwaway culture and tackle littering.’
As the rule came in this week, the following items are now banned from sale across Wales:
- Single-use plastic plates
- Single-use plastic cutlery
- Single-use plastic drinks stirrers
- Cups made of expanded or foamed extruded polystyrene
- Takeaway food containers made of expanded or foamed extruded polystyrene
- Single-use plastic balloon sticks
- Single-use plastic-stemmed cotton buds
- Single-use plastic drinking straws (with an exemption for those who require them to eat and drink with safety and independence).
Julie James, Minister for Climate Change, said:
“This is the first step in phasing out the need for unnecessary single-use plastic being used and sold in Wales.
“We’re committed to eradicating single-use plastic and our next phase will see the banning of plastic single-use carrier bags, polystyrene lids for cups and food containers and products made of oxo-degradable plastic, which will come into force before the end of the Senedd term.
“Many businesses across Wales have already adopted the change prior to the ban by switching to reusable products or swapping out their plastic for cardboard or paper alternatives where reusables aren’t suitable.
“We’re also looking at plastic based wet wipes which can block drains, contribute to flooding and add microplastic fibres to our environment.
“If we all take a ‘Team Wales’ approach and look to reuse, recycle and repair more, it’ll help create a greener future for generations to come.”
Wales’ general public has also been supportive of the move to ban these items, with more than 87% of people backing the decision.
To hear more about decarbonisation, from experts, register for Public Sector Executive’s Decarbonisation Online Conference here.
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