What's included in the new legislation?
The ban will apply to the following single-use items:
- plastic cutlery (forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks)
- plates
- straws
- beverage stirrers
- balloon sticks
- food containers made of expanded polystyrene
- cups and other beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene, including their covers and lids
Legislation includes exemptions for single-use plastic straws, to make sure that those who need them for independent living or medical purposes can still get access to them.
Businesses should ensure they have reviewed the implications of this when managing stock levels and to ensure they understand when these items can be used.
Businesses, including individuals operating a business, cannot supply the items as part of their business activities. This would include selling the items or distributing the items by another means, such as providing for free. For example, cafes, bars, restaurants and hotels cannot provide these items to their customers or guests.