The Principality is taking its zero waste goals one step further with new bans on single-use plastics, which came into effect on 1 June 2021. The new ban includes single-use plastic and styrofoam plates, cups and take-out containers.

Under the impetus of Prince Albert II, Monaco’s zero-waste policy began in 2016 with a ban on single-use plastic bags. In 2019 the policy was extended to include the elimination of plastic straws and stirrers, and in 2020 the discontinuation of single-use plastic cups, cutlery and plates began. The releasing of balloons and lanterns (which account for a large amount of marine litter and are a danger to wildlife) was also banned in March 2020. Monaco aims to ban all single-use plastics by 2030.

According to the new zero waste policy, “The consumer has the right to be served in a clean and reusable container. Waste from economic activities is subject to better traceability with the establishment of a waste register.”

The following guidelines and bans on plastic products, which generate harmful waste especially at sea, were recently published by the Princely Government.

As of June 1:

The new series of bans currently include:

-Disposable plastic tableware: all plastic plates (even those with only a plastic coating), steak sticks, styrofoam take-out containers, lids and tops for coffee cups and ice cream cups.

-Other plastic products: confetti, balloon rods and all products made from oxo-degradable plastics.

-Catering: ban on meals which offer a reduced price on drinks packaged in single-use containers (cans, plastic or glass bottles, etc.)

As of 1 January 2022:

The new series of bans will include:

-Plastic toys offered on children’s menus

-Non-biodegradable plastic tea or herbal tea bags

-Plastic packaging on certain fresh, unprocessed fruits & vegetables

-Non-compostable plastic labels and stickers on fruits and vegetables

-Catering: disposable cutlery is chargeable, especially in the context of take-away sales. To promote Zero Waste lunches, employers must make reusable crockery available at the workplace.

As of 1 January 2023:

-Catering: ban on the use of disposable crockery when the meal is eaten on site. The printing of receipts, credit cards receipts or vouchers will be made upon request only.