A bill banning single-use plastic in Wales is expected to be laid before the Senedd today (Tuesday, September 20).

"This is a big moment in our journey towards a plastic-free Wales," Minister for Climate Change, Julie James said.

The Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Wales) Bill will make it an offence to supply or offer to supply littered and unnecessary disposable single-use plastic products to consumers in Wales.

It provides local authorities with powers to enforce the offence, and includes:

It will also give ministers the power, with the support of the Senedd, to add or remove products.

Aim

According to the Welsh government, reducing plastic can assist in the efforts towards net zero, thus helping to reduce Wales' carbon footprint.

"Single-use plastic products are often seen littered in our streets, parks and seas. Not only are they unsightly, but they have a devastating impact on our wildlife and environment," Minister James added.

"By thinking differently, making lifestyle changes and choosing re-usable products, we can save money and help fight the devastating impacts of climate change."

Deputy chief executive of Keep Wales Tidy, Louise Tambini welcomed the legislation.

"It (the bill) paves the way for industry to move away from polluting practices which are damaging our environment and harming our wildlife," she said.