Water companies have welcomed an announcement by the environment secretary Michael Gove to ban all plastic straws, drink stirrers and cotton buds.
Gove confirmed today (22 May) that following a public consultation, a ban on supplying all these items will come into force in April 2020.
The results of the consultation revealed widespread public backing for such a move, with 80 per cent of respondents backing a ban on the sale of plastic straws, 90 per cent supporting a ban on drinks stirrers and 89 per a ban on cotton buds.
“Urgent and decisive action is needed to tackle plastic pollution and protect our environment,” said the environment secretary.
“These items are often used for just a few minutes, but take hundreds of years to break down, ending up in our seas and oceans and harming precious marine life.”
Thames Water’s sustainability director, Richard Aylard welcomed the announcement, particularly on plastic cotton buds which contribute to the 75,000 blockages a year in its sewers.
“The plastic sticks don’t break up when flushed down the toilet so along with fat, wipes and other non-flushables they form fatbergs which can cause sewage flooding to homes, businesses and the environment,” said Aylard.
“Those that don’t form blockages are difficult to be screened out of the sewage when it arrives at a treatment site so can cause further issues there. As the ban doesn’t come into force until next year, in the meantime, it’s important products containing plastic are disposed of in the bin and never down the toilet. Our message is ‘Bin it – don’t block it’.”
And Southern Water’shead of asset performance, Dr Nick Mills, also welcomed the news of a ban.
“Southern Water was the first company in the industry to introduce a policy on eliminating single-use plastic and we’re working hard to achieve that,” said Mills.
“This won’t solve all the problems of single-use plastic, and it won’t solve all the problems water companies face with carelessly disposed of products, but this move is very welcome. This move is good for the environment and good for water companies. The direction of change is set and the velocity is really increasing.”