Single-use plastic item ban imminently in force

From Sunday 1 October 2023 onwards within England there will be a ban and restrictions on a range of single-use plastic items as part of the Government’s wider efforts to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste by 2042.

This will include a ban on single-use plastic cutlery, balloon sticks, polystyrene cups and food containers. Single-use plastic plates, trays and bowls can still be provided if being supplied to another business or the items are packaging (pre-filled or filled at the point of sale) e.g. a plate filled at the counter of a takeaway.

The changes will affect many operators in the hospitality sector and not just takeaways. Typically, at late night premises, festivals and sporting events etc. drinks are decanted into non-glassware containers for safety purposes. From October onwards, these businesses will need to ensure that they do not fall foul of the new rules, which will catch all types of single-use plastic, including biodegradable, compostable and recycled.

Operators should also be mindful that on 1 October onwards, it will still be a breach to use these items, even if from existing stock.

Government Guidance on the changes can be found here

Should you have any queries about how this may affect your business, please contact one of our solicitors.