Single-use plastic ban comes into force in Wales

The Welsh Government said it will reduce the flow of plastic pollution into the environment.

The Welsh Government said the ban will reduce the flow of plastic pollution into the environment (Ben Birchall/PA) (PA Wire)

Several single-use plastics have been banned from being sold across Wales as new legislation comes into force.

The Welsh Government said the ban will reduce the flow of plastic pollution into the environment by prohibiting the supply of certain products.

From Monday, the following single-use plastics are prohibited from sale:

– 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.

Climate change minister Julie James said the ban builds on the work of many communities across Wales who have already gone plastic free.

“This is the first step in phasing out the need for unnecessary single-use plastic being used and sold in Wales,” she said.

“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.”

The Welsh Government has placed exemptions on single-use plastic straws for those who use them to eat and drink safely and independently.

In England, a ban on a range of single-use plastic items came into force on October 1 and follows a similar move in Scotland last year.