Meanwhile, the use of single-use plastic plates, trays and bowls will be restricted. Businesses who breach the new rules could face a fine and an investigation (Image: Ben Birchall/PA Wire)Why is the single-use plastic ban happening? The reason the ban has come in is because the Government are looking to reduce the plastic pollution England produces. The Government estimates that people across England use 2.7 billion items of mostly plastic single-use cutlery and 721 million single-use plates every year but only 10% are recycled. From 1 October, businesses must no longer supply, sell or offer certain single-use plastic items in England.

Source: The Times October 01, 2023 14:48 UTC