Single-Use Plastic Straw and Drink Stirrer Ban Begins

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30 September 2020

Single-use plastic straws, cotton buds and drink stirrers will be banned in England from 1 October 2020.

The legislation had been delayed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and was originally intended to come into effect in April 2020.

The ban applies is business settings where these products are supplied, including retail and manufacturing.

Fines could be imposed if organisations do not stop selling or supplying them.

Business Allowed to Sell Through Stocks Until April 2021

The ban is part of the government’s commitment to eliminating all avoidable plastic waste over the lifetime of the 25 Year Environment Plan. The Environment Bill will introduce new measures such as a deposit return scheme for drinks containers and introducing more consistent recycling services for households and businesses across England.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has initially stated that business are permitted to continue to sell or supply stocks of these items, if they were purchased before 1 October 2020. This is permitted up until 1 April 2021

After 3 July 2021, businesses must not supply drinks with plastic straws attached to the packaging.

Picture: a photograph of several plastic straws

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 30 September 2020

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