What You Need to Know About England's Single-Use Plastic Ban
You may have heard of the new ban on single-use plastics. But what does this mean for coffee service in your business?
England is gearing up for a game-changing move against plastic pollution, with a ban on single-use plastics in place from Sunday October 1st, 2023.
We've had a lot of questions about what this means for your coffee service, specifically takeaway cups and lids.
In this blog post, we'll explain what you need to know about this ban, its scope, enforcement, and how it may impact your business.
What is the single-use plastics ban in England?
This ban is officially titled 'The Environmental Protection (Plastic Plates etc. and Polystyrene Containers etc.) (England) Regulations 2023'.
It is part of the government's commitment to combat plastic pollution and eliminate avoidable plastic waste by 2042.
Initiatives like the Plastic Packaging Tax, single-use carrier bag charge, and plans for a deposit return scheme for drinks containers are all part of this commitment.
Which products are included in the single-use plastics ban?
This ban, targets specific single-use plastic items and products, making it an offence for businesses to supply, sell, or offer them in England.
The banned items include:
- Plates
- Trays
- Bowls
- Cutlery
- Balloon sticks
- Polystyrene cups (expanded and extruded)
- Polystyrene food containers (expanded and extruded)
Are takeaway cups or lids supplied by Extract Coffee Roasters now banned?
In short, no. You can continue to use the takeaway drinks items available from Extract Coffee Roasters.
Extract currently supplies plastic lids for takeaway coffee cups. This item is unaffected by the ban.
Our takeaway cups are recyclable in your paper recycling. We chose our Re-Earth cups because paper recycling bins are now much more commonplace in public spaces. These are also unaffected by the ban.
The cupholders and stirrers that we provide are made of cardboard and wood and are also not included in this ban.
This means, none of the takeaway products you buy from us are included in the ban and you are able to continue using these to serve takeaway drinks.
Who is affected by the single-use plastics ban?
The single use plastics ban casts a wide net, impacting various sectors, including hospitality, retail, and food services.
Single-use plastic plates, trays, and bowls used as packaging for pre-packaged food items fall under an extended producer responsibility scheme, encouraging reduced packaging and increased recycling.
How will England’s single-use plastics ban be enforced?
Local authorities will enforce the ban by conducting inspections and ensuring businesses comply with the new rules. Complaints of violations can also be made to Trading Standards.
Local authorities have the authority to visit shops, make test purchases, speak to staff, and review records to make sure that you are compliant.
Breaching the ban may result in fines, the size of which can vary and include investigation costs.
So, whilst your takeaway coffee items are okay to keep using, it’s worth checking your other takeaway items from other suppliers.
Where do I get more information about the single use plastics ban?
For more detailed guidance and information about England’s single-use plastics ban, head to Gov.uk. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/single-use-plastics-ban-plates-bowls-trays-containers-cutlery-and-balloon-sticks
If you’re in Wales and want more information about Wales’ single-use plastics ban head to https://www.gov.wales/environmental-protection-single-use-plastic-products-wales-act