A consultation has been launched into proposals to ban a host of single-use plastics in Wales.
The proposals could see plastics such as straws, cotton buds and polystyrene food and drinks containers banned.
Welsh Government’s deputy minister for housing and local government, Hannah Blythyn MS, launched the consultation during a beach clean in Anglesey today (Thursday, July 30).
Ms Blythyn said plastic pollution “blights our communities and has a devastating impact on our wildlife”.
She added: “As plastic-free July comes to an end and Wales emerges from lockdown, I want to hear from communities all over Wales on how we can work together to tackle litter and reduce our reliance on single plastics.
“The consultation I am launching today is an important step towards this ambition and the proposals it sets out will play an important part in our green recovery.
“Communities have led the way when it comes to reducing plastic waste. I hope the people of Wales will now take the opportunity to respond to this consultation and help us move forward on our journey towards a litter free Wales.”
The consultation will run until October 22.
Lesley Jones, CEO of Keep Wales Tidy, welcomed the consultation and said: “The damage caused by plastics is far reaching and we are eager to see a drive towards reusable alternatives across society.
“We have seen some big changes in plastic consumption and recognise the work being done by a number of major Welsh businesses and organisations to reduce the plastic that they use and include in their products, but there is still a long way to go.
Latest news
- Residents angry over bar and micro-brewery plans
- Latest figures show another 18 coronavirus cases in borough
- Young gymnastics coaches learning how to teach through the ‘new normal’
- New award category to honour efforts of critical workers during pandemic
- Delyth Jewell MS: “There is a duty on the Welsh Government to be absolutely clear about what the rules are”
- Businesses told to improve coronavirus safety measures – or face closure
“This consultation marks the next phase of an ongoing journey which we hope will lead to a series of bold policy actions by government to reduce plastic at source.”
Welsh Conservative shadow minister for climate change, energy and rural affairs, Janet Finch-Saunders MS welcomed the news but said: “Once again Wales is behind Scotland and England in bringing these important changes in. Without delay, the Welsh Government needs to introduce a bottle deposit return scheme as well.”
Stay informed with quality, independent, local journalism…that matters
For the last ten years, Caerphilly Observer has provided an award-winning, balanced, and independent news service to the people of Caerphilly County Borough.
We believe the public should be informed about their community, coherently and with context. However, running a professional news service comes at a financial cost.
We are asking readers for their support to help us develop and grow our service.
Our membership costs from just £3 a month and in return, you can use our website without adverts.
Thank you.