## DEFRA Implements Ban on Single-Use Plastics: England Takes a Stand for a Sustainable Future

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have announced that from 1st October 2023, businesses must no longer supply, sell or offer certain single-use plastic items in England.

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The single-use plastics which are subjected to the ban include:

- Plates, bowls and trays
- Cutlery and balloon sticks
- Polystyrene food and drink containers

####   
The guidance states that the ban on these items will include:

- online and over-the-counter sales and supply
- items from new and existing stock
- all types of single-use plastic, including biodegradable, compostable and recycled
- items wholly or partly made from plastic, including coating or lining

####   
The guidance also provides information on where exemptions can be applied on individual products. 

- DEFRA has provided information on how businesses can prepare for the single-plastic ban, such as the following:
- using up existing stock before 1 October
- finding reusable alternatives to single-use items
- using different materials for single-use items

####   
Local authorities will be tasked with conducting inspections in businesses to ensure that the ban is being implemented. DEFRA has extended powers to Inspectors so they can:

- visit a shop or store
- make test purchases
- speak to staff
- request store records

**Those who are caught violating the new ban may be subjected to a fine.**



 

 

 



 

 

### April Policy News

**>** [DEFRA: Government provides guidance on Biodiversity Net Gain](/insights/insights/defra-government-provides-guidance-biodiversity-net-gain "DEFRA: Government provides guidance on Biodiversity Net Gain")

**>** [DEFRA: Water companies share plans on improving Britain’s water infrastructure](/insights/insights/defra-water-companies-share-plans-improving-britains-water-infrastructure "DEFRA: Water companies share plans on improving Britain’s water infrastructure")

**>** [DESNZ: Announces £14 million in funding to help households move to low carbon heating](/insights/insights/desnz-announces-ps14-million-funding-help-households-move-low-carbon-heating "DESNZ: Announces £14 million in funding to help households move to low carbon heating")



 

 

 



 

 

 



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