Single-use plastic items including cutlery and polystyrene cups are set to be banned in England – but campaigners have said the government move is “like reaching for a mop instead of turning off the tap”.

Plastic plates, bowls and trays that are used as packaging for takeaway food and drink in supermarkets and shops are not expected to be covered by the ban.

Therese Coffey, the environment secretary, is set to announce the plan in an effort to reduce the amount of ­single-use items that end up in rivers and seas and harm wildlife.

Although the action has been welcomed, campaigners said far more needs to be done to deal with the “plastic flood”.

Megan Randles, of Greenpeace UK, said: “Whilst it’s welcome that the government’s finally banned certain items, we’re dealing with a plastic flood, and this is like reaching for a mop instead of turning off the tap.

“We need the government to deliver a meaningful plastic reduction strategy, which means bringing in plastic reduction targets and a proper reuse and refill scheme.

“It’s time to stop pandering to industry lobbyists; stop promoting false solutions; and stop dumping our plastic waste in countries that have done the least to cause the climate crisis.

“Anything else is not global leadership on plastic.”

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said the move comes in response to a public consultation on a plan to ban the supply of single-use plastic items and polystyrene food and drink containers.

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Ms Coffey told the Mail On Sunday: “A plastic fork can take 200 years to decompose – that is two centuries in landfill or polluting our oceans.

“This new ban will have a huge impact to stop the pollution of billions of pieces of plastic and help to protect the natural environment for future generations.”

The ban is set to include packaging used for food and drink which is eaten at a restaurant, cafe or takeaway, according to the paper.

Takeaway packaging is covered by a separate scheme which will make manufacturers contribute to the cost of disposing of their plastic packaging.

It is estimated that each person uses 18 single-use plastic plates and 37 single-use plastic items of cutlery each year in England, according to DEFRA.

The durability of plastic means litter from items used for a few minutes can last for centuries in landfill or as litter in the countryside or ocean.

The UK government banned single-use plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds in England in 2020.

Scotland banned single-use plastics last June, with plastic cutlery, straws, drink stirrers and polystyrene food containers all covered by the move.

Wales also banned single-use plastic in 2022 after becoming one of the first countries to charge for plastic bags in 2011.

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