Decision details

The Head of Procurement provided Members with an update on the Council’s compliance with the Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Wales) Act 2023.

Members were provided with information in respect of the Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Wales) Act 2023, which became law in Wales during 2023. The Act makes it a criminal offence to supply or offer to supply (including for free) certain single-use plastic products to consumers in Wales. It was explained that the law bans the sale or supply of certain single-use plastic products in Wales, unless an exemption applies (details of the exemptions are provided with the Statutory Guidance supporting the Act). Any organisation that does not comply with the Act will be committing a criminal offence and will be subject to a financial penalty.

The officer assured the Sub-Committee that all items listed within ‘Phase 1’ of the legislation were removed during 2020 and that exceptions were in place such as plastic straws, but the criteria adhered to the Act. The officer continued, explaining that over and above those items listed in ‘Phase 1’ of the Act, the Council had endeavoured to remove as many single use items (not just plastic) from its services as possible.

The Chair thanked the officer for the report and was pleased to note that the Council was well prepared and would not be impacted by the introduction of the ban on products due to work already undertaken by the Procurement Service over the past three years.

The Cabinet Member for Development and Prosperity praised the officers for being a step ahead and undertaking such importance work prior to the establishment of the Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Wales) Act 2023 became law in Wales during 2023.

The Cabinet Member noted from the report that the Facilities Cleaning Service had trialled the use of disposable pods, as an alternative to the 750ml single-use plastic cleaning bottles and asked for further detail on the outcome of the trial. The officer explained that by using the disposable pods, the Council were cutting down on the use of large plastic bottles. The officer advised that the way of working had quickly been implemented by staff and that the positive feedback was being used as part of the tender.

The Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure thanked the officers for their work and felt that the work would evidence to young people that the Council were leading by example.

The Sub-Committee RESOLVED:

1. To review the content of the report and be satisfied that the Council complies with the Act;

2. To note the Council’s upcoming work to ensure compliance with future phases of the legislation; and

3. To note the work that is progressing to reduce other single-use items that are not specifically listed within the Act.