Frequently asked questions

Are there any regulations relating to the sale or use of single use plastic bags?

New legislation came into force on 1 October 2023 preventing retailers from supplying, selling, or offering a range of single-use plastic items, including: 

  • plates
  • trays
  • bowls
  • cutlery
  • balloon sticks
  • certain types of polystyrene cups and food containers, unless an exemption applies 

Further products have been banned from sale since 2024, including very thin single-use carrier bags.

Supplying banned single-use plastics after 1 October 2023, means you could be fined.