Single-use plastic cutlery and plates to be banned in England

Around one billion single use plates and more than four billion disposable cutlery are used annually in England but only 10% are recycled, as Chris Choi reports

Single-use plastic items including cutlery, plates and polystyrene cups are set to be banned in England by the end of this year. Environment Secretary Therese Coffey is to announce the move which aims to cut down on ­single-use items that end up in rivers and seas and harm wildlife.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said it comes in response to a public consultation on a plan to ban the supply of single-use plastic items and polystyrene food and drink containers. This ran from November 2021 to February 2022.

Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said: “A plastic fork can take 200 years to decompose, that is two centuries in landfill or polluting our oceans. 

“I am determined to drive forward action to tackle this issue head on. We’ve already taken major steps in recent years – but we know there is more to do, and we have again listened to the public’s calls.

“This new ban will have a huge impact to stop the pollution of billions of pieces of plastic and help to protect the natural environment for future generations.”

Plastic plates, bowls and trays that are used as packaging for takeaway food and drink in supermarkets and shops will not be covered by the ban.

But it is set to include packaging for food and drink that is eaten at a restaurant, café or takeaway, according to reports.

This is because takeaway packaging is covered by a separate scheme which will make manufacturers contribute to the cost of disposing of their plastic packaging.

It is estimated that each person uses 18 single-use plastic plates and 37 single-use plastic items of cutlery each year in England, according to Defra.

The durability of plastic means litter from items used for a few minutes can last for centuries in landfill or as litter in the countryside or ocean.

The UK government banned single-use plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds in England in 2020.

It is not clear when the new ban will come into effect, but it follows similar initiatives made in Scotland and Wales, which have legislated to ban various single-use plastics, including those described as biodegradable.

Campaigners have generally welcomed Ms Coffey's proposals, but some have called for a wider-ranging plastic reduction strategy amid criticism of the slow pace of progress.

Megan Randles, of Greenpeace UK, said: “Whilst it’s welcome that the government’s finally banned certain items, we’re dealing with a plastic flood, and this is like reaching for a mop instead of turning off the tap.

“We need the government to deliver a meaningful plastic reduction strategy, which means bringing in plastic reduction targets and a proper reuse and refill scheme.

“It’s time to stop pandering to industry lobbyists; stop promoting false solutions; and stop dumping our plastic waste in countries that have done the least to cause the climate crisis. Anything else is not global leadership on plastic.”

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know