EU, U.K. Approve Limits on Single-Use Plastics

The European Parliament has approved a ban on several types of single-use plastics that is reportedly expected to take effect by 2021. The ban will apply to plastic cutlery, plates, straws and drink stirrers, and the measure also calls for a reduction in plastic cups and other single-use plastic containers used for food and beverages. The United Kingdom will also reportedly target single-use plastics with a tax on plastics that contain less than 30 percent recycled material, with a tax on single-use plastic cups under consideration as well.