Ban on single-use plastics to come into force in 2021

A definitive ban on single-use plastic products in Slovakia will come into force on January 1, 2021, Environment Minister Laszlo Solymos said on Friday. He clarified that the ban will concern nine types of single-use plastic products, namely plastic plates, cutlery, drink stirrers, straws, balloon sticks, cotton buds, food containers made of expanded polystyrene, beverage packaging and cups made of expanded polystyrene. "I'm convinced that Slovakia has to finally stop the never-ending chase of other European countries when it comes to the fight against waste. That goes double for plastics," Solymos said, adding that roughly 14,000 tonnes of non-packaging plastic products come onto the Slovak market each year.