Reducing plastic use
On June 1 2022, a ban on some single-use plastic items came into effect. This is subject to the UK Internal Market Act 2020 and the Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Scotland) Regulations 2021.
The ban applies to the sale or supply of the following single-use items:
- plastic cutlery (forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks)
- plates
- straws
- beverage stirrers
- balloon sticks
- food containers made of expanded polystyrene
- cups and other beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene (including covers and lids)
This includes an exemption for single-use plastic straws. This allows independent living or those with medical purposes to get access to them. Plastic straws are available from pharmacies for people that need them. Certain businesses are able to make plastic straws on request in line with this exemption. For example, in the hospitality sector.
It is still possible to use single-use plastic for industrial or professional use. For example, balloon sticks. As long as they are not handed out to customers.
More single-use plastic information. Single-use plastics regulations Frequently Asked Questions.
Plastic Smart: Let's reduce single-use
Over 80% of Scotland’s carbon footprint comes from things we throw away.
Nine out of the top 10 items found littered on Scottish beaches contain plastics.
20 million bottles are thrown away as litter each year. Around 550 tonnes of plastic from littering (110 million pieces) end up on the seabed. Plastic bottles can take 450 years to decompose.
Around 2.5 billion coffee cups are thrown away every year. That’s about seven million a day in the UK. Less than 1% of these can be recycled and can take 30 years to degrade.
Plastic straws and stirrers can take up to 200 years to decompose.
Do your bit
Swap single-use plastics with reusable alternatives. Try our top tips:
- choose products that are returnable, reusable or refillable
- use reusable water bottles and coffee cups
- use Refill to connect to places to eat, drink and shop with less waste
- put sandwiches and leftovers in reusable containers instead of cling film
- by using reusable cutlery, you could save 466 items of unnecessary plastic every year
- if you don't need a plastic straw or stirrer then don't use them, or ask for a paper straw
- choose responsibly sourced products and don't forget your reusable shopping bags
- buy concentrated/condensed products like diluting juice or fabric softener
- choose one large container instead of many small ones to make up the same quantity
- ask yourself, can I recycle or compost this?
| Items banned in Scotland | Alternatives |
|---|---|
| Plastic cutlery (forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks) | Reusable cutlery, bamboo cutlery, or bring your own |
| Plastic plates | Traditional tableware, paper, metal or bamboo plates |
| Plastic straws | Reusable straws: paper, glass, stainless steel, bamboo or silicone |
| Plastic beverage stirrers | Metal or wooden beverage stirrers |
| Plastic balloon sticks | Cardboard balloon holder |
| Food containers and cups made of expanded polystyrene | Reusable cups and containers, reusable wraps/silicone bags, cardboard containers and lids |
Shopping sustainably and asking the businesses to supply sustainable goods can make an impact.
North Ayrshire environmental groups
Join an organisation protecting our environment and promoting sustainability. We work in partnership with these groups which welcome new members:
- Cumbrae Bee/Ecology Group
- Cumbrae Community Council
- Dalry Community Development Hub/Community Garden
- Fairlie Organic Growers Community Garden
- Irvine Clean Up Crew
- Kilwinning Litter Pickers
- Largs Community Council Eco Group
- Think About Plastic Arran (TAP)
Environmental groups in North Ayrshire can ask to be added to this list by emailing our Waste Awareness Team.
Plastic free Council
The Plastic Waste Prevention Action Plan progressed the council towards becoming a 'Plastic free Council'. The following measures have been set up:
- sourcing over 50 alternatives to single-use plastics across school dining and cafes
- plastic free period products provided in schools, council buildings and community venues
- biodegradable sacks and liners used for food waste collection
- drinking water taps installed in council offices
- incentives for employees
- larger, refillable cleaning product containers are now used - a reduction of six to one achieved
- recycling of plastic by North Ayrshire Council has increased by 30% since 2019 - over 35 tonnes of plastic material every working week
Ongoing steps include:
- sustainable procurement guidance and putting in place a system to stop the sale of Single-use Plastics
- working with suppliers to reduce plastic use and ensure that sustainable alternatives can be provided
- working with external partners to continually develop and publish information and guidance
- building upon work to support and collaborate with local environmental groups
Watch a video on Eliminating Plastic from the Isle of Arran.
Continuing the work
The Scottish Government is working to inform future policy development on other single-use products and includes:
- single-use food containers
- plastic bowls, trays and platters
- plastic sachets, for example, condiment sachets used in hospitality settings
- plastic packaging on fruit and vegetables
This work complements the Scottish Government’s efforts to tackle other single-use products. This includes single-use beverage cups and wet wipes containing plastic.