Credit: Circular Magazine Jan/Feb 23

Single-use plastic items such as cutlery, plates and polystyrene trays, will be banned from cafes and restaurants in England, the government has confirmed.

The ban, which follows similar decisions taken by Scotland and Wales, follows a long consultation that is due to be published this month. It is unclear when it will come into effect.

Environment Secretary Therese Coffey said the ban would help protect the environment for future generations. She said: ‘I am determined to drive forward and tackle this issue head-on. ‘This ban will have a huge impact to stop the pollutions of billions of pieces of plastic and help protect the environment for future generations’.

In addition, the government is being urged to ban the sale of bananas in plastic bags, onions in plastic nets and cucumbers wrapped in plastic.

North London Waste Authority (NLWA), which issued the call, also wants a 50p charge on single-use, plastic-lined coffee cups.