This month (March) sees the launch of the ‘Plastic Smart’ promotional campaign to raise awareness in North Ayrshire of the Single Use Plastics Ban.
Anticipated to come into effect across Scotland on 1 June 2022, we will be sharing information on the ban and new regulations on the Council’s social media channels including ways for residents to be more ‘Plastic Smart.’
Residents and Council employees are encouraged to follow and share the campaign on North Ayrshire Council’s social media pages: Twitter (@North_Ayrshire) and Facebook (@NorthAyrshireOfficial)
Raising awareness of the Single Use Plastic Ban
The Single Use Plastics ban is set to tackle some of the most environmentally damaging single-use plastic items. The ban will apply to the sale or supply of the following single-use items: plastic cutlery (forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks), plates, straws*, beverage stirrers, balloon sticks*, food containers made of expanded polystyrene and cups and other beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene, including their covers and lids.
*You can find out more about the ban and various exemptions on the Zero Waste Scotland website.
Let’s reduce single use
Alongside information on these new regulations, the campaign will focus on promoting ways residents, businesses and staff can be ‘Plastic Smart’ to encourage everyday reduction of plastic use and the resulting waste and the associated litter across North Ayrshire.
The social media campaign will also share an update on the Council’s steps towards becoming a “Plastic Free Council” by 2022, in line with our Plastic Waste Prevention Action Plan. More information is available via the Council’s website here: www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/PlasticSmart
David Mackay, Senior Waste Strategy Manager commented: “North Ayrshire Council alongside our Facilities Management teams and external partners are committed to doing all that we can to move towards becoming a Plastic Free Council by the end of 2022.
“We have already made significant progress, but there is still so much more to be done and with your help – the residents of North Ayrshire – you can help us to share the importance of reducing the use of single-use plastic by following and re-sharing the social media content we are posting online over the coming weeks to enable us all to become more ‘Plastic Smart’.
“Our teams have also collated lots of useful ‘Plastic Smart’ information on our website including the current Scottish government legislation from Zero Waste Scotland and helpful tips to inform local people to make more sustainable choices.
“So whether you want to shop more sustainably, make changes at home or in your workplace or get involved with a local environmental group, visit our website to find out more on how you can play your part to be Plastic Smart.”