The government has confirmed that single-use products such as plastic cutlery, plates, and polystyrene trays will be outlaw in England.
It is unclear when the prohibition will take effect, but it follows similar measures taken by Scotland and Wales.
Thérèse Coffey, the Environment Secretary, said the measure would help conserve the environment for future generations.
Campaigners applauded the ban but asked for a more comprehensive plastic reduction approach.
According to government estimates, 1.1 billion single-use plates and more than four billion pieces of plastic cutlery are use annually in England.
Plastic garbage seldom decomposes and might remain in landfills for many years.
Although it may be beneficial to food hygiene, it can also become trash, damaging soil and water.
The Department confirm the move for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) after a lengthy consultation, which will be publish on Saturday, January 14th.
According to Defra, each person in England consumes an average of 18 single-use plastic plates and 37 pieces of plastic cutlery each year, with just 10% recycled.
Ms Coffey intends to ban various single-use plastic goods, primarily related to fast food and beverages.
“I am commit to taking steps to address this issue head-on. We’ve already taken significant measures in recent years, but we realize there’s more to be done, and we’ve heeded the public’s calls once more, “She stated.
“This new prohibition will have a big impact on preventing billions of pieces of plastic pollution and contributing to the protection of the natural environment for future generations.”
Similar bans have already been implemented in Scotland, and single-use plastic straws, stirrers, and plastic-stemmed cotton buds will be prohibited in England in 2020.
In June of last year, Scotland prohibited businesses from using various single-use plastic goods. A similar ban was enact in Wales in December and will go into effect later in 2023.
However, this latest regulation does not apply to things found in supermarkets or shops. The government stated that it would address those issues through other means.
“We’re dealing with a plastic deluge,” she defined, “and this is equivalent to going for a mop rather than turning off the tap.”
She urged the government to deliver a “serious” policy on minimizing plastic consumption, which would include strict targets and “a real reuse and refill scheme.”
