As of today, Monday 30th October 2023, a number of single use plastic items have been banned from being supplied in Wales.
In 2021, Welsh Labour made a promise to build a greener Wales by abolishing unnecessary single-use plastics. Today, your Welsh Labour Government puts the commitment of embedding the ‘response to the climate and nature emergency in everything we do’ into effect.
The purpose of this new law is to reduce the flow of plastic pollution into our environment by prohibiting the supply of certain single-use plastic products.
Local Member of the Senedd for Delyn, Hannah Blythyn, said:
“Taking this action to tackle plastic pollution is not only key to rising to the challenge of the climate crisis but also to preventing plastic from blighting our beaches, streets and green spaces. From my conversations with constituents and the many community groups doing their bit to reduce litter and waste, I know this is something people are passionate about. And I’m proud to have played a small part in making this happen by introducing the initial consultation that has led to this legislation and I’m pleased to see it finally coming into place.”
In December 2022, Wales made history by becoming the first part of the UK to legislate against a thorough list of single-use plastics when the Senedd approved legislation to ban selling unnecessary, disposable products to consumers.
The following items will be banned from being sold across the country:
- Single-use plastic plates
- Single-use plastic cutlery
- Cups made of expanded or foamed extruded polystyrene.
- Takeaway food containers made of expanded or foamed extruded polystyrene
- Single-use plastic balloon sticks
- Single-use plastic drinking straws
Wales is continuing to lead the way when it comes to action to tackle plastic pollution and this new law is a key step in reducing the flow of damaging plastic waste into the Welsh environment, something I know communities here in Delyn and across the country rightly really care about.
There will be exemptions for those who need them to eat and drink safely and independently. More information on these bans can be found on draft guidance web pages: www.gov.wales/single-use-plastics-draft-guidance