Single-use plastics ban: plates, bowls, trays, containers, cutlery and balloon sticks
From 1 October 2023 businesses must no longer supply, sell or offer certain single-use plastic items in England.
To read the full Government directive visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/single-use-plastics-ban-plates-bowls-trays-containers-cutlery-and-balloon-sticks#inspections
The ban on these items will include:
online and over-the-counter sales and supply
items from new and existing stock
all types of single-use plastic, including biodegradable, compostable and recycled
items wholly or partly made from plastic, including coating or lining
‘Single use’ means the item is meant to be used only once for its original purpose.
How to prepare for the ban
You can prepare your business for the new rules by:
using up existing stock before 1 October
finding re-usable alternatives to single-use items
using different materials for single-use items
If you continue to supply banned single-use plastics after 1 October, you could be fined.
There are some exemptions to the ban, depending on the item.
Cutlery and balloon sticks
From 1 October you must not supply single-use plastic cutlery or balloon sticks.
There are no exemptions to this ban.
Inspections
Local authorities will carry out inspections to make sure the rules are being followed.
Inspectors can:
visit a shop or store
make test purchases
speak to staff
ask to see records
If you break the law, inspectors can order your business to cover the cost of the investigation.
Complaints about a business breaking the law can be made to Trading Standards.
Appealing a fine
You can appeal within 28 days of getting a fine if you think something is wrong. A letter with the fine will tell you what to do.
If you can show that you did everything you reasonably could to avoid breaking any rules, this would be an acceptable defence.
Get help
If you have any questions about what the new rules mean for your business, contact Plastics.Consultation@defra.gov.uk.
For information regarding the rules and regulations in Scotland please click HERE
For information regarding the rules and regulations in Ireland please click HERE