EXTENSION OF BANNED SINGLE-USE PLASTICS IN ENGLAND FROM OCTOBER 2023
Introduction
On the 14th of January 2023, the Environment Secretary announced that the supply of a range of single-use plastics is set to be banned in England. This will include single-use plastic plates, trays, bowls, cutlery, balloon sticks and certain polystyrene cups and food containers; all of which are rarely recycled and often end in landfill. The ban will NOT apply to plates, trays and bowls that are used as packaging in shelf-ready pre-packaged food items.
Plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds have already been restricted under similar laws in England from 2020 in a bid to reduce plastic pollution and littering.
The ban will be introduced from October 2023, allowing businesses time to prepare for the changes. From this time, people will not be able to purchase these products from retailers, takeaways, food vendors, and the hospitality industry. Business areas involved in the use and purchase of this range of single use plastics are therefore advised to review their procurement processes ahead of the ban.
The Government may also introduce further measures on other commonly used plastic items such as wet wipes, single-use cups, and sachets. We will follow these developments and feed back to The Group when information becomes available.
Further Information:
If you require further information on this, please contact either:
Roger Smith – Group SHEQ Director Roger.smith@norsegroup.co.uk
SHEQ – Environmental Team SHEQ-EnvironmentalTeam@norsegroup.co.uk
References:
GOV.UK (2023). Commonly littered single-use plastics items: call for evidence. [online] GOV.UK. Available at Commonly littered single-use plastic items: call for evidence - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) [Last accessed: 19/01/2023].
GOV.UK (2023). Far-reaching ban on single-use plastics in England. [online] GOV.UK. Available at https://www.gov.uk/ government/news/far-reaching-ban-on-single-use-plastics-in-england?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuknotifications-topic&utm_source=531828a1-4ba5-47b2-8c80-8c6d5dfa8cc7&utm_content=weekly [Last accessed: 19/01/2023].
Legislation.gov.uk (2020). The Environmental Protection (Plastic Straws, Cotton Buds and Stirrers) (England) Regulations 2020. [online] The National Archives. Available at The Environmental Protection (Plastic Straws, Cotton Buds and Stirrers) (England) Regulations 2020 (legislation.gov.uk) [Last accessed: 19/01/2023).
NON PROTECTIVELY MARKED
Approved by: SHEQ Director Version: 1
Author: SHEQ Department Issue: All Norse Group