A ban on plastic cutlery, plates and polystyrene trays is coming into force from 1 October. It applies to retailers, takeaways, food vendors and other hospitality businesses.
Firms that continue to use these single-use plastics after 1 October could be fined and, yes, local authorities will be carrying out inspections.
However, these businesses can still use plastic containers, trays and wraps. The government says that these items are classed as ‘packaging’ and would be dealt with under separate rules that shift the cost away from local authorities and on to packaging producers.
If this applies to your business, you only have a couple of days left to use up your existing stock.
The plastic restrictions in focus
The ban on these items will include:
- Online and over-the-counter sales and supply
- Items from new and existing stock
- All types of single-use plastic, including biodegradable, compostable and recycled
- Items wholly or partly made from plastic, including coating or lining
There are exemptions on most items included in the ban.
Plates, bowls and trays
You can still supply single-use plastic plates, bowls and trays if either of the following apply:
- You are supplying them to another business
- The items are packaging (pre-filled or filled at the point of sale)
Examples of this type of packaging include:
- A pre-filled salad bowl or ready meal packaged in a tray
- A plate filled at the counter of a takeaway
- A tray used to deliver food
Polystyrene food and drink containers
You can still supply single-use plastic plates, bowls and trays if either of the following apply:
- You are supplying them to another business
- The items are packaging (pre-filled or filled at the point of sale)
Examples of this type of packaging include:
- A pre-filled salad bowl or ready meal packaged in a tray
- A plate filled at the counter of a takeaway
- A tray used to deliver food
There are no exemptions on cutlery and balloon sticks.
More information on the ban can be found on the government website
If you have any questions about the plastic cutlery, plate and polystyrene ban, contact Plastics.Consultation@defra.gov.uk.
Many small businesses unaware and unprepared
A recent survey from the British Independent Retail Association (BIRA) warned that many small businesses were still unaware of, nor prepared for, the changes. CEO Andrew Goodacre said: “We should all want to do what we can, but it has to be reasonable for the business.”
Robin Clark, global sustainability director at Just Eat, told the BBC that the UK takeaway industry used around 500m single use plastic boxes last year. The company urged the government to make more sustainable packaging alternatives more widely available and affordable for businesses and consumers.
Read more
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