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A range of single-use plastics, such as cutlery, plates, straws, balloon sticks and polystyrene food containers, are now banned in Wales.

The Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Wales) Bill, makes it an offence to supply or offer unnecessary disposable single-use plastics to consumers.

It came into effect from Monday October 30.

Last December, Wales became the first UK nation to legislate such a ban, which received Royal Assent back in the summer.

Local authorities across Wales now have the powers to enforce the ban on a range of single-use plastics.

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

Wales’ climate change minister, Julie James, hailed the move as the “first step in phasing out the need for unnecessary single-use plastic being used and sold in Wales”.

Ms James said the Welsh Government is committed to eradicating single-use plastic” – with a second phase of the ban including plastic single-use carrier bags, polystyrene lids for cups and food containers and products made of oxo-degradable plastic.

The second phase is set to come into force before the end of the current Senedd term in 2026.

Ms James continued: “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.”