A number of singles use plastics have been banned from being
supplied in Wales today (Monday, October 30).
The move follows a Welsh Government commitment to ‘embed our
response to the climate and nature emergency in everything we do’
The purpose of the new law is to reduce the flow of plastic
pollution into our environment by prohibiting the supply of
certain single-use plastic products.
Climate Change Minister explained the Act forms part of
the Welsh Government’s response to the climate and nature
emergencies and ‘builds on momentum created by communities across
Wales who have chosen to go plastic free, defy throwaway culture
and tackle littering’
Public support for the ban has been positive with more than 87 per cent of
people backing the move.
As of today, , the following items are now banned from being sold
across the country:
- 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 *
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.”
You can have your say in a joint consultation on the banning of
wet wipes containing plastic online here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/consultation-launched-to-ban-wet-wipes-containing-plastic
Notes to editors
Notes to editors
*exemptions for those who need them to eat and drink safely and
independently.
More information on these bans can be found on draft guidance web
pages:
Single-use plastics: draft
guidance | GOV.WALES
