Single-use plastics like polystyrene takeaway containers, plastic straws and single use plastic bags are to be banned in Wales. The Welsh Government has published its draft plan for a law banning or restricting the sale of some of the most commonly littered single-use plastics in Wales.
The draft bill will be laid before the Senedd in the autumn as the Welsh Government presses ahead with its intention first revealed in 2020 to abolish more single-use plastics. As yet, how the ban will be enforced has not been confirmed but the draft legislation suggests that anyone selling the banned plastics in future could be fined and that local authorities will have the power to carry out test purchases and raid premises.
Single-use plastic cups, cutlery, drink-stirrers, lids for cups or takeaway food containers, straws, plates, takeaway food containers, balloon sticks, carrier bags, cotton buds and products made of oxo-degradable plastics are all included in the list of items that would be covered by the new law. But certain items will be exempt on various grounds, for example, if they are used for health or disability reasons or their purpose is connected to the provision of medical care or treatment.
