Public urged to report the usage of single use plastics in Waterford

Waterford City & County Council is urging people to report the use of single use plastics throughout the county.

In July 2021, the EU imposed a ban on the use of single use plastics, including plates, stirrers, cutlery and straws. The restrictions were introduced in order to replace the use of single use plastic with more sustainable alternatives.

A spokesperson for the local authority told the Waterford News & Star that single use plastic can end up in the environment and lead to an issue of micro-plastics in seas and oceans.

She also pointed out that such items are also among the most common single use plastic types found on our beaches.

Today, the majority of businesses use biodegradable alternatives, however, there still remains a small cohort of businesses that continue to use environmentally harmful single use plastics. Waterford City and County Council is urging members of the public to report premises still using single use plastic cutlery.

Commenting on the matter, Niall Kane, Senior Executive Engineer with the local authority, said: “We are still seeing single use plastic cutlery being offered to customers in cafés and takeaways in Waterford. Unless the business is taking back plastic cutlery to wash and reuse, the plastic cutlery is single use. Unfortunately, some manufacturers are labelling their products reusable, leading retailers to think they are okay."

“The consequences of single use plastics can be seen on our beaches and coastlines as 80 per cent of marine litter is plastics,” said Mr Kane.

“Not only is the litter unsightly, but plastic residues are also found in marine life, such as fish, shellfish and birds and invariably in the human food chain,” he added.

To report premises using single use plastics call Waterford City and County Council on 0818 102020 or email contact@waterfordcouncil.ie