A bill banning single-use plastic in Wales is expected to be laid before the Senedd today (Tuesday, September 20).
“This is a big moment in our journey towards a plastic-free Wales,” Minister for Climate Change, Julie James said.
The Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Wales) Bill will make it an offence to supply or offer to supply littered and unnecessary disposable single-use plastic products to consumers in Wales.
It provides local authorities with powers to enforce the offence, and includes:
- Cutlery
- Plates;
- Stirrers;
- Drinking straws – this product has an exemption for health needs;
- Plastic stemmed cotton buds;
- Balloon sticks;
- Expanded and foamed extruded polystyrene fast-food containers;
- Expanded and foamed extruded polystyrene cups;
- Polystyrene lids for all cups and fast-food containers;
- Thin plastic single-use carrier bags;
- All products made of oxo-degradable plastic.
It will also give ministers the power, with the support of the Senedd, to add or remove products.
Aim
According to the Welsh government, reducing plastic can assist in the efforts towards net zero, thus helping to reduce Wales’ carbon footprint.
“Single-use plastic products are often seen littered in our streets, parks and seas. Not only are they unsightly, but they have a devastating impact on our wildlife and environment,” Minister James added.
“With a Team Wales effort, we have to say no to the single-use item culture, so we avoid leaving a toxic legacy of plastic for future generations to deal with.
“By thinking differently, making lifestyle changes and choosing re-usable products, we can save money and help fight the devastating impacts of climate change.”
Deputy chief executive of Keep Wales Tidy, Louise Tambini welcomed the legislation.
“It (the bill) paves the way for industry to move away from polluting practices which are damaging our environment and harming our wildlife,” she said.
