Mexico City begins 2021 with ban on single-use plastics

One of the world's biggest cities has prohibited the use of single-use plastic materials including plastic forks, straws and cups. Mexico's capital is striving to revamp its image as an eco-friendly, sustainable city.

Lawmakers passed the ban on plastic bags, utensils and other disposable plastic items in 2019, aiming to reduce non-biodegradable plastics and hoping to turn Mexico's capital into  a more sustainable city.

In a statement, city authorities declared that "the commercialization, distribution and delivery of single-use plastic products is prohibited" as of January 1.

The ban includes single-use containers, forks, straws, cotton swabs, disposable plastic cups, plastic stirrers, single-use coffee capsules and balloons among other items.

Last year alone, Mexico City produced around 13,000 tons of garbage per day, according to the capital's environmental agency. The city also produces more than 7 million tons of plastic per year. Around 48% of it is used for packaging and while much of it is recyclable, a lot of the materials does not end up being recycled.

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Key Points:

l  Most single-use plastic products have been banned since March 1

l  There will be exemptions for people with a disability who need them

l  There will be an education campaign for businesses and the public