Reminder issued over single-use plastics ban

Published Wednesday, 11th October 2023

Hartlepool Borough Council’s Public Protection Team has issued a reminder to local businesses that they can no longer supply certain single-use plastic items to the public.

A national ban came into force on the 1st October and covers a range of plastic items, including cutlery, trays, plates, bowls, balloon sticks, polystyrene cups and food containers used to supply food which is ready to consume - although certain exemptions apply.

Research shows that people across England use 2.7 billion items of mostly plastic single-use cutlery and 721 million single-use plates every year, but only 10% of these are recycled. If 2.7 billion pieces of cutlery were lined up, they would go round the world more than eight-and-a-half times.

Trading Standards and Licensing Manager Rachael Readman said “The Council welcomes the ban on these items as it reduces unnecessary waste that is harmful to the environment.”

Businesses such as shops, restaurants and takeaways may face prosecution and fines if they fail to comply with the new rules.

The ban covers online and over-the-counter sales and includes all types of single-use plastic and items which are wholly or partly made from plastic. Businesses are prohibited from supplying existing stock after 1st October.

For further information and guidance on the ban please contact the Public Protection Team at public.protection@hartlepool.gov.uk or visit https://www.hartlepool.gov.uk/Single-Use-Plastics-Ban