South Norfolk and Broadland Councils are reminding businesses, such as takeaways, sandwich bars, care homes and retailers, that the Government’s ban on single-use plastics comes into force on 1 October
The councils are urging those who have not already considered alternatives, and where to source these items, to act now.
Under the new rules, from October businesses across England will not be able to supply certain single-use plastic items to the end user. The ban includes all single-use plastic cutlery, trays, plates, bowls, and balloon sticks, as well as banning the use of certain types of polystyrene cups and food containers used to supply food which is ready to consume.
Businesses could:
- Swap plastic for bamboo or wooden cutlery for takeaway food
- Swap plastic for metal cutlery for in-house guests
- Swap single-use plastic plates or bows to reusable alternatives that can be washed.
- Offer paper plates instead of plastic.
- Offer to refill customers’ water bottles or travel cups.
- Encourage customers to bring their own clean containers for takeaway food.
Cllr Keith Kiddie, South Norfolk Council's Cabinet Member for Cleaner, Safer Environment said:
"These new rules will help reduce plastic pollution, and protect our environment and wildlife. I’d like to thank the many businesses who have been ahead of the curve and already made the switch to more sustainable materials, and urge every local café, restaurant and takeaway to consider now how they can comply with the new rules.”
Cllr Jan Davis, Broadland District Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said:
“Plastic pollution takes hundreds of years to break down, severely damaging our planet in the process. Banning single-use plastics is a crucial step towards a cleaner, healthier future. These new rules enable us all to take responsibility for living in a more sustainable way as well as reducing littering.”
The ban will cover all types of single-use plastic – including biodegradable, compostable, recycled and items wholly or partly made from plastic, including the coating or lining.
Businesses that continue to supply single-use plastic items after the legislation comes into effect could be given a fine.
