European Parliament votes to ban single-use plastics
Growing concerns over ocean pollution prompt more drastic measures
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The European Union parliament has overwhelmingly voted to ban single-use plastics such as straws, forks and knives by 2021.
The ban was backed in a 560-35 vote on Wednesday, and will affect a range of plastic products including plates, balloon sticks and earbuds.
It will also include food and beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene and all products made of oxo-degradable plastic.
Growing concerns over plastic pollution in oceans and stories of dead whales with plastic in their stomachs prompted the EU to take more drastic steps to tackle the issue. Marine litter has come under the spotlight because 85 per cent of it is plastic.
China’s decision to no longer accept imports of some of the EU’s waste also helped spur the ban.
While EU member states have given their support, they will need to vote on the measure for it to go info effect.
EU countries can choose their own methods to reduce the use of other single-use plastics, such as takeaway containers and cups for beverages.
They will also need to collect and recycle at least 90 per cent of drinks bottles by 2029.
Disposable utensils would not be completely off-limits, but the measure calls for them to be made of sustainable materials when possible.
Tobacco companies will be required to cover the costs for public collection of cigarette stubs, which are the second most littered single-use plastic item.
“Europe is setting new and ambitious standards, paving the way for the rest of the world,” European Commission vice-president Frans Timmermans said.
The Commission had recommended the regulations which were approved by the bloc’s parliament on Wednesday.
Lobbying group EuroCommerce, whose members include Tesco , Lidl, Carrefour, and Metro, said governments also need to do their part to help make recycling a success.
“Without a proper waste management infrastructure and sufficient recycling facilities we will not achieve a circular economy or the objectives of this directive,” EuroCommerce director-general Christian Verschueren said.
Greenpeace welcomed the ban but criticised the lack of targets for EU countries to follow on some plastics.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments