Country Laws on Plastic Products

Bans and fees on single use plastics are an effective way to end plastic pollution of the top items found in beach & river cleanups. Countries with nationwide ban laws that have been enacted, announced, or proposed:

• Plastic bag ban: 188 (includes 27 EU countries)

• Plastic straw ban: 81 (includes 27 EU countries)

• Polystyrene foam container ban: 96 (includes 27 EU countries)

• Container Deposit Law (Deposit Return Scheme): 54 (includes 27 EU countries)

Information sources: UN Environment Report (July 2018) and updated with news searches.