Monaco’s plastic prevention plan
Since 2016, the Monaco principality has been pursuing an ambitious waste reduction policy which forms part of its overall environmental commitments. The adoption of the “Monaco Waste Prevention and Management 2030 Horizon Plan” aims to achieve zero single-use plastic waste by 2030.
In order to achieve this, they have banned:
- single-use plastic bags since 2016
- the purchase of plastic bottles and cups using the State’s budget since 2017
- plastic straws and stirrers since 2019
- single-use plastic cups, cutlery, plates and cotton buds since January 2020
- balloon releases and flying lanterns since March 2020
Since June 2021:
- all products made of oxo-degradable material (which breaks down into microplastics), plastic confetti and balloon rods, polystyrene containers and packaging in the fast-food industry and single-use plastic lids and pots for ice cream
Consumers have also been able to bring their own reusable containers.
Since January 2022:
- Plastic toys offered in children’s menus as well as plastic packaging around fruit and vegetables are prohibited, distribution of disposable cutlery in restaurants is charged and employers are required to provide their employees with reusable dishes and containers for takeaway meals.
Measures planned for the next few years:
- As of January 2023, it will no longer be permitted to use disposable tableware for sit down meals in restaurants
- As of January 2024, all disposable plastic packaging and containers used in the fast food industry will be banned
