The Welsh Government said the rule changes demonstrated its commitment to the climate and nature emergency.

From today, the following items are now banned from being sold across Wales in a bid to reduce the flow of plastic pollution into the local environment:

• Single-use plastic plates, cutlery and drinks stirrers 
• Cups and food containers made of expanded or foamed extruded polystyrene
• Single-use plastic balloon sticks, plastic-stemmed cotton buds and drinking straws

Climate change minister Julie James said the Act forms part of the Welsh Government’s response to the climate and nature emergencies and “builds on momentum created by communities across Wales who have chosen to go plastic free, defy throwaway culture and tackle littering”.

She added: “Many businesses across Wales have already adopted the change prior to the ban by switching to reusable products or swapping out their plastic for cardboard or paper alternatives where reusables aren’t suitable...