Scotland has become the first country in the UK to ban single-use plastics as the new law came into force on Wednesday June 1.
Businesses have been preparing for the changes as we wave goodbye to items like plastic cutlery and expanded polystyrene items.
As of today, it is unlawful to make and supply a range of items in Scotland's bid for a greener future.
READ MORE- Furious mum hits out after 'unreasonable neighbour' moans at her kids
The legislation was part of a 12-week public consultation.
Here are a list of plastic items that are now banned:
- Cutlery (forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks and other similar utensils)
- Plates
- Beverage stirrers
- Food containers made of expanded polystyrene
- Cups made of expanded polystyrene
It is also unlawful for plastic straws and plastic balloon sticks to be commercially supplied but exemptions allow them in certain settings and circumstances.
Plastic straws will also be available for those who need them to eat or drink independently, or for medical purposes and will be available to buy in-store or online pharmacies and given on request in hospitals.
However, they won't be routinely available in supermarkets or shops and those breaking the new law could be fined up to a maximum of £5,000.
Takeaway coffee cups are not affected by the new law, but as STV reports, the Scottish Government is establishing an advisory group to discuss the possibility of adding a mandatory charge in an attempt to tackle waste.
It is estimated that around 40,000 disposable cups are dropped in Scotland throughout the country each year and due to their plastic lining, they are difficult to recycle.
People are being urged to use other materials instead and move away from single-use items. For example, using metal cutlery instead of plastic or wooden knives and forks reduces waste.
Zero Waste Scotland say it is "an opportunity to think differently and only use single-use items where absolutely required, saving money and helping to fight climate change."
