Ban on single-use plastics could be introduced in Wales

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.

“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.”