Plastic straws, cotton buds and stirrers

From 1 October 2020, the Government banned the sale of single-use plastic straws, plastic stemmed cotton buds and plastic drink stirrers in England. This ban is one of a number of measures to reduce unnecessary single-use plastic, so we can better protect our precious wildlife and leave our environment in a better condition for future generations.

The ban applies to all businesses that supply these products, including manufacturers and retailers.

The Environmental Protection (Plastic Straws, Cotton Buds and Stirrers) (England) Regulations 2020 prohibits the supply of single-use plastic straws to an end user, subject to certain exceptions. The exceptions include the supply of straws by registered pharmacies, the supply of straws by a catering establishment together with food or drink for immediate consumption, and the supply of straws which are medical devices or are for use for medical purposes.

Advice and guidance for businesses is available on gov.uk through the following link Straws, cotton buds and drink stirrers ban rules or from 

You can report the supply of single use plastic straws, cotton bud stems and drink stirrers to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.