UK Announces Ban on Use of Selected Single-Use Plastics

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The UK government has decided to impose ban on use of selected single-use plastics, as part of its initiative to curb environmental pollution. The circular released by the Environment Ministry proposes ban on distribution and sale of products including plastic straws, drink stirrers and plastic-stemmed cotton buds, with certain exemptions.

According to Environment Secretary Michael Gove, it plans to introduce a six-week consultation period, when public could voice their opinions. The views collected during this period will be analyzed and addressed to. The proposed ban would become effective sometime between October 2019 and October 2020.

Gove appreciated retail establishments, bars and restaurants that have voluntarily banned the use of plastic straws and plastic stirrers. A mandatory ban would further help protect precious oceans and the wildlife within, Gove added.

David Palmer-Jones, chief executive of SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK hoped that consumers would whole-heartedly support the new initiative, in the same way as they received the 5p fee on single-use plastic bags. The Ministry should move forwards to introduce extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme in order to reduce litter. While welcoming the move, Greenpeace UK’s political adviser Sam Chetan Welsh hoped that this should be just a start.

According to estimates, approximately 4.7 billion plastic straws, 316 million plastic stirrers and 1.8 billion cotton buds are consumed in England every year. A majority of these end up in waterways and oceans.