EU bans single-use plastics

Single-use plastic items such as straws, forks and knives as well as cotton buds will be banned in the European Union by 2021.

The European Parliament voted in favour of banning 10 single-use plastics including plates, balloon sticks, food and beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene and all products made of oxo-degradable plastic.

EU countries can choose their own methods of reducing the use of other single-use plastics such as takeout containers and cups for beverages. They will also have to collect and recycle at least 90% of beverage bottles by 2029.