Single-use Plastic Straws, Stirrers and Cotton Buds Banned in England

From 1st October, it is now illegal for Businesses to sell or supply single use plastic straws, stirrers, and cotton buds. Hospitals, bars and restaurants will still be able to provide plastic straws to people with disabilities or medical conditions. 

It is estimated that people use an estimated 4.7 billion plastic straws, 316 million plastic stirrers and 1.8 billion plastic-stemmed cotton buds in England each year. Environmental campaigners welcomed the ban, but stress that stronger, more ambitious plans are needed to tackle the plastic pollution problem.

Environment Secretary George Eustice said the government was "building plans" for a deposit return scheme to encourage recycling of single-use drinks containers.

BBC: https://bbc.in/2GiP3sJ
Independent: https://bit.ly/3jzjB7Q