England Single Use Plastics

Scotland have already implemented a ban on the use of some single-use plastic items, Wales have legislated with the ban to come into force later this year and following recent announcements, it looks like similar legislation is to be passed covering England. 

The items to be covered will be plastic knives, forks and spoons along with plates and polystyrene trays. A lot of operators have already moved to wooden or biodegradable items, but the ban will stop single-use items.

Environment secretary Thérèse Coffey said the move would help protect the environment for future generations. Government figures suggest 1.1 billion single-use plates and more than four billion pieces of plastic cutlery are used in England every year.

There is no date as yet for when the ban will start as the proposals require parliamentary approval, but it is thought that it may be introduced in England from October 2023 to allow businesses time to prepare. 

The ban will not cover plastic plates, bowls and trays that are used as packaging for takeaway food and drink in supermarkets and shops – but will cover packaging for food and drinks that are eaten at a restaurant, cafe or takeaway.

This is because takeaway packaging is covered by a separate scheme which will make manufacturers contribute to the cost of disposing of their plastic packaging. 

That is due to come into force next year.