Wednesday 30 September 2020

Plastic straws to be banned in England from tomorrow

Businesses in England that supply plastic straws, cotton buds and drink stirrers will have to stop selling or supplying them from tomorrow.

After a postponement because of the coronavirus pandemic, the measure could see businesses that don't comply with the new rules fined.

Local authorities are expected to set fine levels.

If retailers bought supplies of these materials before 1st October, they will be able to supply or sell leftover supplies of single-use plastic straws, cotton buds and drink stirrers until 1st April 2021.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) also notes after 3rd July 2021, businesses must not supply drinks products with single-use plastic straws attached to the packaging.