The sale of plastic disposables may be banned next summer. Environment Minister Ola Elvestuen wants to introduce this ban as soon as possible. This summer may be the last one you may be able to buy or receive single-use plastic items.
It will be banned next year if Minister for Climate and Environment Ola Elvestuen gets what she wants. - We will do it ASAP. This must be the last summer when it will be possible to use single-use plastic. We are in favor of banning unnecessary plastic products when environmentally friendly alternatives already exist, said Elvestuen.
, When will it happen?
It emphasizes that this should be done in cooperation with the business community. It takes time for the industry to find new products that work and successfully replace plastic. Straws, cutlery and ear buds are to disappear from the market. However, products that replace plastic, such as cardboard straws or disposable wooden cutlery, have already appeared on the market. Norwegian regulations are to apply from 2020.
EU directive decided by MEPs European Parliament will be introduced in two years. It should also apply in EEA (European Economic Area) countries such as Norway. EU regulations state that the use of items for which there are no ecological substitutes is also to be limited. Their use should be limited by member states by at least 25% by 2025.
The changes will also affect other plastics such as soda bottles, which will have to be collected separately and recycled at 90% by 2025. Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment is working on the preparation of the adaptation application as soon as possible. The department can then send you hearing rules in the fall. The final regulation may be ready next spring, and the ban may come into force relatively shortly after the new regulations are adopted.
