Legal limits on single-use plastics and microplastics

This report provides a global overview on the progress of countries in passing laws and regulations that limit the manufacture, import, sale, use and disposal of selected single-use plastics and microplastics which have a great impact in the production of marine litter. It is based on a review of national legally-binding instruments that include bans and restrictions, taxes and levies, and waste management measures to enhance disposal, encourage reuse and recycling, and promote alternatives to plastic products. The report includes three sections: 1) plastic bags, 2) other single-use plastics, and 3) microbeads. It seeks to provide a more thorough understanding of the scope and types of regulatory approaches policymakers are employing to address plastic pollution. The report should enable future research by enhancing the understanding of existing legal requirements to prevent plastic pollution at the country level.