Straw Exemption Guidance Published Ahead of Single-use Plastics Ban

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The law on single-use plastics is changing on 1 June 2022. After this date, it will be unlawful to make and supply commercially any of the following single-use plastic items:

  • Cutlery (forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks and other similar utensils)
  • Plates
  • Beverage stirrers
  • Food containers made of expanded polystyrene
  • Cups made of expanded polystyrene

Your Say on Disability – Plastic Straw Exemptions

At Disability Equality Scotland, we invited our members to have their say on how the ban would impact disabled people. We are pleased that a critical exemption is applied to single-use plastic straws, to ensure those who need them to eat or drink independently or for medical purposes can still get access to them. This means that single-use plastic straws are to be available to purchase at in-store or online pharmacies. Businesses are not allowed to offer single-use plastic straws to customers, allow self-service or have them on display. However, customers who require a straw are entitled to request one.

We have worked with Zero Waste Scotland and partners to develop guidance to raise awareness of plastic straw exemptions for both organisations and individuals to help everyone understand how single-use plastic straws can be supplied.

Visit the Zero Waste Scotland website to download guidance and resources on plastic straw exemptions. The guidance is also available in Easy Read: www.zerowastepartners.org.uk/straws-exemption