Plans to ban single-use plastic bags put on hold

Single-use plastic bags are among the list of items due to be banned. Credit: PA Images

Plans to ban single-use plastic bags and polystyrene lids for takeaway containers in Wales have been put on hold.

The Welsh Government wanted to ban the use of these items by the spring. However, it now says it is no longer viable to agree these changes with the UK Government in time.

Items including straws, cutlery, cotton buds and single-use vapes are already banned in Wales under the Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Wales) Act 2023.

From 18 December 2026, the Single-use Plastic Products Act will also restrict the supply of wet wipes containing plastic.

The plans have been shelved due to complications with the UK Internal Market Act, which states that goods must be able to be sold across the UK.

Devolved Governments are able to request for an exclusion to be granted, however the Welsh Government says it is no longer viable to agree and enact an exclusion under UKIMA in time to implement the bans this Senedd term.

Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies said: "We remain committed to seeing polystyrene lids for cups or takeaway food containers, plastic single-use carrier bags or products made of oxo-degradable plastic banned and are working to achieve that as soon as possible."

"By phasing out unnecessary single‑use products...we are delivering our ambition to end the throwaway culture, creating a more sustainable Wales, one we are proud to hand on to future generations."

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