Belgium bans plastic cotton buds and tableware

As of today, the sale of various single-use plastic products, such as cutlery, cotton buds and straws, will no longer be allowed in Belgium.

Europe

The ban, which is an implementation of European legislation, applies to plastic cotton bud sticks, cutlery, plates, straws (except for straws sold in pharmacies for people with a drinking and/or eating difficulty), cocktail stirrers, party balloon sticks, containers and cups made from expanded polystyrene (including caps and lids), food containers made from expanded polystyrene to hold food for immediate consumption, used, for example, for fast-food meals, and products made of oxo-degradable plastics. An exception is made for existing stocks, Belgian newspaper Gazet van Antwerpen writes.

In addition, four product categories will get a label to indicate the presence of plastic and its impact on the environment. These include sanitary towels, tampons and applicators for tampons, wet wipes for personal hygiene, cups and tobacco products with filters and filters intended for use in combination with tobacco products.

At the beginning of next year, plastic carrier bags in stores will also be banned. However, very light plastic bags, reusable plastic bags that meet specific requirements and bags delivered to airports for security reasons would still be allowed.