Ban On Plastic Straws And Cutlery Confirmed

It will be illegal to put plastic cutlery, dishes, straws, and cotton swabs on the market in Iceland as of July 3rd next year, RÚV reports. Styrofoam and food and beverage containers will also be banned.

These amendments on hygiene and pollution control laws were confirmed in Parliament at the beginning of this week.

The single-use plastic products covered by the ban include cotton swabs, cutlery, dishes, straws, stirrers, and balloons. Supermarkets, restaurants, and fast-food chains will furthermore not be allowed to deliver food and beverages in single-use plastic containers without paying for them.

The only exception will be granted for single-use plastic products considered medical devices.

Additionally, there will be an unconditional ban on the marketing of oxo-plastic products, which are biodegradable. These items, which in particular certain types of plastic bags, have come to the forefront on the market in recent years. As stated in an announcement by the Ministry of the Environment and Resources, it breaks down into microbes and causes growing problems around the world.

Finally, it will be obligatory to clearly label single-use plastic products with instructions on how to dispose of them properly after use, as well as the adverse effects on the environment if released into it. Products that will require such labeling also include various menstrual products, wet wipes, tobacco products, and plastic cups.

Note: Due to the effect the Coronavirus is having on tourism in Iceland, it’s become increasingly difficult for the Grapevine to survive. If you enjoy our content and want to help the Grapevine’s journalists do things like eat and pay rent, please consider joining our High Five Club.

You can also check out our shop, loaded with books, apparel and other cool merch, that you can buy and have delivered right to your door.