Reduce My Rubbish
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MoreNew Ban on Single Use Plastics Launches 01 October 2023.
From 1 October 2023 there will be additional bans and restrictions on single-use plastic items in England. Further guidance for businesses can be found here: Single-use plastics ban.
The ban includes:
- Polystyrene cups and food containers,
- Single use plastic cutlery,
- Single use balloon sticks,
- Restrictions to the supply of single use plastic trays, bowls, and plates. (However, businesses can continue to supply these items if they are used as packaging in pre-packaged food items.)
This ban compliments the existing restrictions on other single use plastic items including the plastic straws, cotton buds and drink stirrers ban and carrier bag charges.
Single-use plastics have damaging environmental impacts as they are commonly littered and difficult to recycle. For advice and reusable alternatives click here.
If you have any questions about the single-use plastic ban and what it means for individual businesses, please contact: Plastics.Consultation@defra.gov.uk
Become a Plastic Free Business
Surfers Against Sewage have developed the Plastic Free Business Toolkit to help local businesses achieve the Plastic Free Champion Award. By registering you’ll receive access to a Business Toolkit with all the information and material you need to reduce single-use plastic and gain accreditation. Once your business has started removing single-use plastic, Surfers Against Sewage will send out your award, so you can inspire other businesses!
From 1st October 2020 single use plastic straws, cottons buds and stirrers are banned in England. Guidance on how this applies to businesses can be found here.
Join the Refill Revolution
Your business can easily join the growing number of Refill locations and venues across Norfolk where individuals can call in to refill their water bottle, re-usable coffee cup or takeaway food container. Sign up to become a refill location and get advice on offering your products in refillable packaging instead of single-use. Your business will feature on the national refill app for thousands of customers searching to refill and reuse. They may well buy more from your range at the same time.
New Covid-19 refill advice mean that food and drink businesses can still safely join and offer Refill services.
County Hall Case Study
Norfolk County Council have taken many steps to reduce our single-use products at county hall. Take a look at our County Hall case study for ideas and inspiration to reduce single-use and make sustainable swaps in your workplace.
Further support and accreditation
Search Grants 4 Norfolk for the most recent funding available to Norfolk businesses, including grants for environmental projects and resources.
The Carbon Charter provides support and recognition to businesses that adopt carbon reduction measures and sustainable business practices throughout Suffolk and Norfolk. Reducing single-use products could contribute to your carbon charter awards progress.
Sky Lantern and Balloon Releases
Balloons and sky lanterns are examples of single use products. They are often released as a way of commemorating the passing of a loved one, or for a fundraising event. Sadly, unexpired sky lanterns pose a significant fire hazard. Livestock and wildlife on both the land and sea can be lost as a result of ingestion of parts from sky lanterns and balloon debris.
Click here to find exciting alternatives ideas, and join hundreds of people and businesses in Norfolk pledging to no longer release sky lanterns and balloons from their property and land.
