SINGLE USE PLASTICS BANNED FROM 1 OCTOBER

 Filenews 20 July 2022

The Department of Environment of the Ministry of Environment informs all interested parties that according to the provisions of the Waste Law (L.48(I)/2022) for the reduction of the impact of certain single-use plastic products on the environment, as of October 1, 2022, availability on the market is prohibited, i.e. the supply for distribution, consumption or use in the context of commercial activity, single-use plastic products listed in the provisions of Part B of Annex VIA to the Act.

The following products made of plastic fall specifically under the prohibition:

1. Cotton buds
2. Cutlery
3. Dishes
4. Straws
5. Beverage stirrers
6. Sticks attached and supporting balloons,
7. Food containers made of expanded polystyrene, i.e. receptacles such as boxes, with or without a cover, in which foodstuffs are placed;

(1) are intended for immediate consumption either on-site or off-site;

(2) are usually consumed from the container;

(3) are ready for consumption without further preparation, such as cooking, boiling or heating;

8. Beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene and their lids and lids

9. Cups made of expanded polystyrene and their caps and covers.

10. It shall also be prohibited to dispose of all products made from oxo-degradable plastic.

The availability of the above products is allowed until September 30^or 2022, with the aim of exhausting the stock of these products, provided that they were placed on the market before 3 July 2021, the date on which the placing on the market, that is, the sale at wholesale level, of these products by producers and importers was prohibited.

Therefore, all supermarkets, hospitality and catering establishments, fast food establishments and other retail stores are invited to take all necessary actions to ensure that these products are not available for sale and consumption after the date set by law, which is September 30^or 2022.

The out-of-court settlement in case of violations will amount to up to €4,000, while in case of serious violation it can be up to €20,000.