Single-use plastics ban due by 2021

New policy document outlines plans to address 'critical issue'

Government has unveiled a plastic ban to stop the sale and distribution of selected single-use items, which could come into force as soon as 2021.

A new policy document aiming to eliminate plastics Island-wide set for Tynwald this month, has added another 'R' to the well-known 'reduce, reuse, recycle' mantra, and that is refuse.

Carrier bags, straws, cutlery, polysterene take-away boxes and cups, even cotton buds will be subject to a legislative ban proposed for the Isle of Man in two years time.

Included in that, will also be cosmetic products filled with micro beads, tiny pieces of plastics used in personal care, which once rinsed-off, end up in the marine environment. 

If approved, the reduction plan for the Manx community estimates it will save over half a million kilograms of plastic every year from circulation, an amount which is the equivalent of burning almost 9000 barrels of oil to produce.

It follows similar measures brought in by the European Parliament in March, after MEPs voted overwhelmingly to introduce a ban by 2021.

Powers derived from the eventual Climate Change Act, which was annouced provisionally as a Bill by the chief minister back in May, will be used to implement the law change.

The need to reassess recyling on the Island and how local authorities interact with the infrastructure and environment departments in waste management, is also stressed 'a matter of urgency'.

A bottle return scheme also forms part of the proposals with a public consultation possible after the summer recess.

You can view the Single Use Plastic Reduction Plan for the Isle of Man Community, here.