The information below provides you with a valuable insight and update on the single use plastic directive across the UK.
Scotland
From 12 August 2022, the single-use plastic items listed below are fully banned in Scotland unless an exemption applies (e.g. single-use plastic straws).
• Cutlery (forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks and other similar utensils)
• Plates;
• Beverage stirrers;
• Food containers made of expanded polystyrene;
• Cups and lids made of expanded polystyrene.
Wales
In September 2022, The Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Wales) Bill was passed that will make it an offence to supply or offer to supply littered and unnecessary disposable single-use plastic products to consumers in Wales. Impact assessments are currently being undertaken.
England
There were hopes that a ban may come into force in April 2023. Although a consultation was launched in 2020, and closed in February 2022, progress has been extremely slow and so this may not happen now until 2024.
Isle of Man
The Tynwald has voted just recently to ban the sale and supply of 10 plastic items next year. These include straws, carrier bags, plastic cutlery, including chopsticks, plates, stirrers and polystyrene containers
