Blackburn with Darwen businesses reminded of new single-use plastic items ban

Nearly one week after the law change banning certain single-use plastic items in England was introduced by the Government, Blackburn with Darwen Council officers are reminding businesses that they could face a fine if they fail to implement the new changes.

The Government-ban on single use plastic items that are only meant to be used once for their original purpose – which came into enforcement on 1 October – is part of efforts to reduce the amount of non-recyclable material that ends up in bins and then ultimately landfill or incineration.

The ban covers all single-use plastic cutlery, trays, plates, bowls, and balloon sticks, as well as banning the use of certain types of polystyrene cups and food containers used to supply food which is ready to consume.

There are however some exemptions to the ban, depending on the item. These include single-use plastic plates, bowls and trays which are used as packaging.

Examples include:

• A pre-filled salad bowl or ready meal packaged in a tray
• A plate filled at the counter of a takeaway
• A tray used to deliver food

Businesses, such as sandwich shops, cafes, takeaways and other retailers are being encouraged to familiarise themselves about the new guidance and source appropriate alternatives.

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Head of Environment, Tony Watson, said:

It’s paramount that we reduce the amount of plastic pollution which takes hundreds of years to break down and inflicts serious damage to our environment.

Aside from the terrible effects it has on wildlife and sea-life, plastic pollution is a source of greenhouse gas emissions, from the production and manufacture of the plastic itself to the way it is disposed of.

It is clearly unsustainable for these single-use items to be used and businesses must adopt those items that more environmentally-friendly.

There are however some exemptions to the ban, depending on the item.

Find out more by visiting Single-use plastics ban