When the MCS Beachwatch programme began in 1993-1994 plastic cotton bud sticks were one of the regularly recorded items. They were one of the key indicators of sewage related pollution of our beaches and rivers. It has taken 25 years to get a simple substitution of card for plastic. Can we really afford to take as long with all the other items – one by one – in this tortuous fashion to stop plastic pollution? Bob Earll
Defra ’Start of ban on plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds
Ministers continue fight against plastic waste to protect natural environments and marine wildlife.
Published 1 October 2020
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Every year in England we use 4.7 billion plastic straws, 316 million plastic stirrers and 1.8 billion plastic-stemmed cotton buds.
The ban on supplying plastic straws and stirrers and plastic-stemmed cotton buds has come into force in England today (Thursday 1 October), marking yet another major step in the Government’s fight against single-use plastic waste to protect our environment and clean up our oceans.
Just one month after ministers confirmed the single-use plastic bag charge would be increased to 10p and extended to all retailers, today’s commencement of the ban will further ensure the country builds back greener.
It is estimated we use 4.7 billion plastic straws, 316 million plastic stirrers, and 1.8 billion plastic-stemmed cotton buds in England every year, many of which find their way into our ocean. By banning the supply of these items, we can further protect our marine wildlife and move one step closer to our ambition of eliminating all avoidable plastic waste, as set out in our 25 Year Environment Plan.
Environment Secretary George Eustice said:
Single-use plastics cause real devastation to the environment and this government is firmly committed to tackling this issue head on.
We are already a world-leader in this global effort. Our 5p charge on single-use plastic bags has successfully cut sales by 95% in the main supermarkets, we have banned microbeads, and we are building plans for a deposit return scheme to drive up the recycling of single-use drinks containers.
The ban on straws, stirrers and cotton buds is just the next step in our battle against plastic pollution and our pledge to protect our ocean and the environment for future generations.
While making this important step to help the environment, disabled people and those with medical conditions will also be protected, and will be able to request a plastic straw when visiting a pub or restaurant and purchase them from pharmacies.
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