EU proposes ban on straws, other single-use plastics

EU proposes ban on straws, other single-use plastics

News:

1. The European Union proposed on a bloc-wide ban on single-use plastics.

• A bloc is a group of countries which have similar political aims and interests and that act together over some issues.

Important facts:

2. This set of proposals is a part of EU’s quest to get rid of plastic waste. They are concerned about the increasing use of plastic in the food chain.
3. China’s decision to ban imports of foreign waste products for recycling led EU to come with this proposal along with a proposal in January.
4. In January  EU proposed for all plastic packaging in Europe to be recycled by 2030
5. These proposals can only be executed only when 28 EU member countries and the European Parliament gives their approval.
6. Highlights of the current proposal:
   • Ban of single-use plastics such as plastic cotton buds, cutlery, plates, straws, drink stirrers and balloon sticks,
   • These items are suggested to be made from sustainable materials instead,
   • Member countries must collect most of plastic drinks bottles by 2025 through deposit refund scheme,
   • Reduction in the use of plastic food containers and drinks cups by member states,
   • Contribution of producers to the costs of waste management,
   • The producers will be offered incentives to develop less polluting alternatives and
   • The producers need to clearly label products and inform consumers how the waste should be disposed of.