Government proposes ban on plastic stirrers, straws and cotton bud sticks

DEFRA has launched a consultation on the banning of plastic stirrers, straws (with medical exceptions) and cotton bud sticks.

The move could eliminate 316 million plastic stirrers, 1.8 billion cotton bud sticks and 4.7 billion plastic straws annually.

The consultation is a welcome move, despite these specific items representing just tiny ripples in the wave of change required to tackle plastic pollution. Surfers Against Sewage is calling for wholesale reform of producer responsibility of plastic packaging, an inclusive Deposit Return Scheme for beverage containers and a #PlasticTax – all measures to encourage the transition to a circular plastics economy.

Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said:

“Our precious oceans and the wildlife within need urgent protection from the devastation throwaway plastic items can cause. I commend retailers, bars and restaurants that have already committed to removing plastic straws and stirrers, but we recognise we need to do more. Today we step up our efforts to turn the tide on plastic pollution and ensure we leave our environment in a better state than we inherited it.”

Surfers Against Sewage will provide further comment and guidance on responding to the consultation next week – watch this space. DEFRA have said everyone is welcome to respond to this consultation including manufacturers, trade representatives, retailers, wholesalers, environmental groups, waste management organisations, scientists, Non-Governmental Organisations and members of the public. The stakeholder consultation is open until December 3rd.

The changes, if approved, would come into place between October 2019 and October 2020.