ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to a consultation launched by the Welsh Parliament’s Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee on reducing single-use plastics in Wales, calling for clarification on timescales for the proposals.
The Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Wales) Bill, which has been published as part of the Environment and climate change planning and strategy would prohibit the sale of nine single-use plastic products, including: cups, cutlery, drink-stirrers, lids for cups or takeaway food containers, straws, plates, balloon sticks, carrier bags and cotton buds.
Wales was the first UK nation to introduce a single-use plastic bag charge at 5p per bag, with Scotland and England following with their own plastic bag charges. The charge has been successful in reducing the amount of bags in circulation, as well as raising money for good causes.
In the submission, ACS outlined support for the Bill as a measure to reduce plastic waste and has recommended a minimum implementation period of 12 months from when the Government guidance on the regulations is published to implementation of the ban to allow retailers sufficient time to sell through existing stock and source alternative products.
ACS chief executive James Lowman: “Convenience retailers recognise the need to reduce single-use plastics in our communities and have been making efforts to do so through the successful implementation of a charge for single-use plastic bags for a number of years now.
“The Welsh Government needs to provide clarification on the timescales for the introduction of a ban to ensure a realistic sell-through period for retailers on the prohibited products. We will continue to engage with the Welsh Government on the delivery of their plans to ensure that it is workable for retailers.”
The full submission is available here.
