07 June 2022
Article: 56/2209
On 1 June 2022, Scottish Parliament legislation came into force that makes the provision of single-use plastic items by businesses in Scotland an offence. At present, around 700 million of these items are used in Scotland every year.
The regulations come into force following a six-month grace period, during which Zero Waste Scotland ran a business campaign to raise awareness on how to prepare. An exemption is provided for single-use plastic straws, to ensure those who require them for independent living or for a medical purpose can still access them.
The ban applies to the following single-use items:
- plastic cutlery, such as forks, knives, spoons and chopsticks
- plastic plates
- plastic straws
- beverage stirrers and balloon sticks
- food containers made of expanded polystyrene
- cups and other beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene, including covers and lids
Enforcement will be the responsibility of local authorities, with a maximum fine of £5,000 for those who fail to comply with the new regulations.
Source: Scottish Government, 1 June 2022
Source: Public Health Scotland
