On April 22, 2024, the UK government announced new legislation to ban wet wipes containing plastic, following strong support received during public consultation. The law, which aims to reduce plastic pollution and clean up waterways, will come into effect this year, with England bringing forward the legislation before the summer recess, followed by Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales in the fall.
Wipes containing plastic degrade into microplastics that are harmful to human health and ecosystems. The ban will reduce the presence of microplastics in wastewater treatment systems and in our waterways. The response to the public consultation showed overwhelming support, with 95% of participants in favor of the ban. This measure will be implemented through secondary legislation under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
TEAM mastery will keep you updated on further regulatory developments.
