The Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service is reminding businesses, such as takeaways, sandwich bars. care homes and retailers who supply certain single use plastic items, that a ban comes in to force this October.

The Government ban, includes the supply of existing and new stock and will cover all types of single-use plastic – including biodegradable, compostable, recycled and items made wholly or partly from plastic, including the coating or lining.

Certain plastic items such as straws, stirrers and cotton buds have already been banned, which combined with the new restrictions will have a significant impact on reducing plastic waste and littering.

Businesses who have not already made the switch should start thinking about alternatives now to meet this deadline.