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Published On: September 29, 2023

From 1 October 2023 businesses must no longer supply, sell or offer certain single-use plastic items in England

You may have read in the news that a single use plastic ban is going into effect 1 October. We have done some additional research and this is what we have found:

  • The ban will not apply to single-use plastic plates, trays and bowls used as packaging in shelf-ready pre-packaged food items as these will be included in plans for an extended producer responsibility scheme, which will incentivise producers to use less packaging and meet higher recycling targets.
  • No business – whether retailer, takeaway, food vendor or part of the hospitality industry – will now be able to sell single-use plastic cutlery, balloon sticks nor polystyrene cups and food containers in England. The supply of single-use plastic plates, trays and bowls has also been restricted.
  • Whilst they don’t currently have any proactive activity planned, this will be enforced by Surrey County Council Trading Standards. Expect it to be mentioned during visits and included via their social media channels and business newsletter. 

Defra published this news release today: New bans and restrictions on polluting single-use plastics come into force – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Additional Resources

Business Companion

Citizens Advice

Thank you to the MVDC Economic Development team (www.molevalleyforbusiness.co.uk) for their support in developing this article. We will update it as we receive additional information for our business community.

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