Belarus introduces a ban on the single-use plastic in public catering establishments

Back in early 2020, the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus approved a plan of measures to gradually reduce the use of plastic packaging. According to it, from January 1, 2021 it is prohibited to use and sell in catering establishments disposable plastic dishes: forks, spoons, knives, sticks for stirring drinks, glasses, cups, plates, straws for drinks. It will also be prohibited to use disposable packaging for food: containers, trays, boxes, etc., except for packaging for culinary semi-finished products and confectionery products. The prohibition does not apply to disposable plastic caps and caps for glasses and other containers, because no alternative has been found.

In addition to the ban on disposable plastic, it is also important to prevent the formation of plastic debris through the use of recyclable containers, own dishes, deposits. Reducing the use of plastic packaging and disposable plastic production contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 12 “Sustainable Consumption and Production”, 13 “Combating Climate Change”, 14 “Conservation of Marine Ecosystems”, 15 “Conservation of Terrestrial Ecosystems”.

Detailed information on what should disappear from sale can be found in the explanations of regulatory acts of the Ministry of Antitrust Regulation and Trade, as well as on the website of the Center for Environmental Solutions.

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