Welsh single-use plastic ban comes into force

From Monday a ban on a number of single-use plastics has come into force in Wales.

The purpose of the ban is o reduce the flow of plastic pollution into the environment by prohibiting the supply of certain single-use plastic products.

The act is part of the Welsh Government’s response to the climate and nature emergencies.

More than 87 per cent of the public support the ban.

From Monday, the following items cannot be sold in 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; and single-use plastic drinking straws.

Minister for climate change, Julie James 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."

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