Czech senators support EU ban on single use plastic products

Czech senators have supported EU proposal to ban single-use plastic products, such as straws and cotton swabs, which can be replaced by financially affordable products made from other materials. After a long debate, senators have also approved lowering consumption of single use plastic cups and food containers.

The European Commission has recently proposed banning single-use plastic products and putting the burden of cleaning up waste on manufacturers in an attempt to reduce marine litter worldwide.

The proposal, which needs to be approved by all EU member states, also requires them to collect 90 percent of single-use plastic drink bottles by 2025 and manufacturers to help cover costs of waste management and clean-up.

Author: Ruth Fraňková