From 1st October 2023 businesses must no longer supply, sell or offer single-use plastics such as plates, bowls, trays, containers, cutlery and balloon sticks in England.
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
‘Single use’ means the item is meant to be used only once for its original purpose.
How to prepare for the ban
You can prepare your business for the new rules by:
- using up existing stock before 1 October
- finding re-usable alternatives to single-use items
- using different materials for single-use items
If you continue to supply banned single-use plastics after 1 October, you could be fined.
Inspections
Local authorities will carry out inspections to make sure the rules are being followed.
Inspectors can:
- visit a shop or store
- make test purchases
- speak to staff
- ask to see records
If you break the law, inspectors can order your business to cover the cost of the investigation.
Complaints about a business breaking the law can be made to Trading Standards.
Appealing a fine
You can appeal within 28 days of getting a fine if you think something is wrong. A letter with the fine will tell you what to do.
If you can show that you did everything you reasonably could to avoid breaking any rules, this would be an acceptable defence.
Get help
If you have any questions about what the new rules mean for your business, contact Plastics.Consultation@defra.gov.uk.
