A BAN on single-use plastic items across North Ayrshire is now less than four months away – and a social media awareness campaign has launched making sure residents and businesses throughout the area are aware of, and prepared for, the change in the law.

The single-use plastics ban comes into force across Scotland on June 1, 2022 and North Ayrshire Council (NAC) is sharing more information about the ban on its social media channels as part of efforts to make residents more ‘plastic smart’.

The ban will apply to the sale or supply of plastic cutlery (forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks), plates, straws, beverage stirrers, balloon sticks and food and drink containers made of expanded polystyrene, including cups’ covers and lids.

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, NAC’s cabinet member for green new deal and sustainability, said: “North Ayrshire Council, alongside our facilities management teams and external partners are committed to doing all 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 Reducing Plastic Use 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 how you can play your part to be Plastic Smart."

Find out more at north-ayrshire.gov.uk/PlasticSmart.