Single-use plastic ban could be introduced in Wales

An artist's impression of the proposed development in Trethomas — Plastic straws are be among a host of single-use plastics that could be banned in Wales

Single-use plastics such as cutlery, plates, straws, balloon sticks and polystyrene food containers could be banned in Wales.

A bill banning single-use plastics is expected to be put before Senedd Members – meaning Wales could become the first country in the UK to introduce such a measure.

The Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Wales) Bill, if approved by Senedd Members, would make it an offence to supply or offer unnecessary disposable single-use plastics to consumers.

It would give local authorities across Wales the powers to enforce the ban on a range of single-use plastics.

Which single-use plastics could be banned?

Cutlery;
Plates;
Stirrers;
Drinking straws – this product has an exemption for health needs;
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;
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.

Source: Welsh Government

The bill would give Welsh Government ministers the power to, with the support of Senedd Members, to add or remove products from the banned list.

The Welsh Government has said it will also work with industry, businesses, third sector bodies, academia, and others to help develop future policies.

Paper straw manufacturer ramps up production as demand grows

In 2011, Wales became one of the first countries in the world to introduce a charge for single-use carrier bags.

Wales’ Climate Change Minister, Julie James, said the bill was a “big moment in our journey towards a plastic-free Wales”.

Ms James said: “Single-use plastic products are often seen littered in our streets, parks and seas. Not only are they unsightly, but they have a devastating impact on our wildlife and environment.

“With a Team Wales effort, we have to say no to the single-use item culture, so we avoid leaving a toxic legacy of plastic for future generations to deal with.”

She added: “By thinking differently, making lifestyle changes and choosing reusable products, we can save money and help fight the devastating impacts of climate change.”

The bill is supported by Keep Wales Tidy, whose Deputy Chief Executive Louise Tambini said: “It is a positive step on our journey towards truly 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.”

She added: “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.”

Single-use plastics ban could be introduced in Wales

Sign-up to our daily newsletter