What plans does the Welsh Government have to ban all non-essential single-use plastics in Wales?
The Programme for Government sets out our commitment to legislate to abolish the use of more commonly littered single use plastic items in Wales. We have already consulted on plans to ban or restrict some of the top items, such as single use plastic cutlery, plates, stirrers, drinking straws, expanded polystyrene food and drinks containers, balloon sticks and oxo-degradable plastics.
The proposals set out in our consultation are currently being considered within the context of the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020. We have delayed the publication of our summary of consultation responses document while this happens. We are currently addressing the implications of this Act through a legal challenge, which is due to be heard towards the end of this year. In the interim, we will continue to work with retail and manufacturing sectors to support voluntary action to remove harmful single use plastics and products from the supply chain.