Wales will become the first part of the UK to legislate against a
thorough list of single-use plastics as the Senedd approves
legislation to ban selling unnecessary, disposable products to
consumers.
The new law is a key step in reducing the flow of damaging
plastic waste into the Welsh environment and is being introduced
following consultation with the public and other stakeholders.
Taking effect in autumn 2023, it will give local authorities the
power to enforce the offence of supplying or offering to supply
the commonly littered items – even when they are free.
Wales is currently ranked as the world’s third best domestic
recycler and the new law demonstrates how the Welsh Government is
continuing to take ambitious steps to tackle the climate and
nature emergencies.
Moreover, the Bill allows the Welsh Government, working with the
Senedd, to revise the current list of banned or restricted
products meaning Ministers will be able to ban other types of
environmentally harmful single-use plastic products in the
future, by passing regulations.
Speaking after the vote, Climate Change Minister, , said it puts Wales in the
driving seat for future action:
“As well as being unsightly, single-use plastics are extremely
destructive to our wildlife and environment.
“Building a greener Wales requires a team effort. This new law
builds on the efforts of communities, businesses and young people
who have already chosen to go plastic free.
“Now is the time for all of us to think differently and change
our habits to avoid leaving a legacy of plastic waste for future
generations.”
Most plastic is made from fossil fuels. Reducing it can assist
efforts towards net zero and help to minimise the worst impacts
of climate change.
The Minister added: “We will continue to work with industry,
businesses, third sector bodies, academia, and others – ensuring
we say goodbye to the scourge of this littered plastic from our
streets, parks and seas for good.”
Owen Derbyshire, Keep Wales Tidy Chief Executive said: “Keep
Wales Tidy welcomes legislation to ban single-use plastics. It is
a positive step on our journey towards transforming the way we
consume plastics and reduce waste as a nation. Crucially, it
paves the way for industry to move away from polluting practices
which are damaging our environment and harming our wildlife.
“We hope that the powers granted in the Bill will allow Wales to
respond to emerging threats of other single-use products as
consumer trends continue to evolve.”
Louise Reddy, Policy Officer, Surfers Against Sewerage
said: “As more plastic floods into the ocean every year,
Wales’ ban on single use plastic is a great step to ending
plastic pollution. We look forward to Wales continuing to stop
plastic in its tracks by transitioning to a circular economy and
ensuring polluters pay for the good of people and planet.” –
Louise Reddy, Policy Officer, Surfers Against Sewerage.
Notes to editors
Notes to editors
The Environmental protection (Single-use Plastic Products)
(Wales) Bill bans or restricts
- Cutlery
- Plates
- Stirrers
- Drinking straws (with an exemption for people who need straws
to live independently)
- Plastic-stemmed cotton buds
- Balloon sticks
- Expanded and foamed extruded polystyrene fast-food containers
- Expanded and foamed extruded polystyrene cups
- Polystyrene lids for all cups and fast-food containers
- Thin plastic single-use carrier bags (with exemptions e.g.
for food hygiene)
- All products made of oxo-degradable plastic
The decision to include these products follows a consultation in
2020, with all having non-plastic or reusable alternatives.
Welsh Government will work closely with businesses,
manufacturers, public sector groups, communities and protected
characteristic groups to develop comprehensive guidance to
support the implementation and enforcement of the legislation.
This will include clear communication to help raise awareness of
products no longer available and how to access alternatives.
