Environmental issues
Trading Standards enforces environmental laws by ensuring that businesses comply with regulations aimed at protecting the environment and promoting sustainable practices.
These laws address a broad range of environmental issues, including bans on the manufacture and supply of single use vapes and cosmetic products containing plastic microbeads. They also introduce restrictions on single-use plastics such as cutlery, plates, and straws, along with controls on hazardous substances and requirements for energy consumption and efficiency labelling on energy-related products.
Trading Standards is responsible for the following environmental legislation:
- The Environmental Protection (Plastic Plates etc. and Polystyrene Containers etc.) (England) Regulations 2023
- Clean Air Act 1993 – Motor Fuel (Composition and Content) Regs.
- Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015
- Environmental Protection (Microbeads) (England) Regulations 2017
- Environmental Protection (Microbeads)(England) Regulations 2017
- Environmental Protection (Plastic Plates etc. and Polystyrene Containers etc.) (England) Regulations 2023
- Environmental Protection (Plastic Straws, Cotton Buds and Stirrers) (England) Regulations 2020
- Environmental Protection (Single-use Vapes) (England) Regulations 2024
- Single Use Carrier Bags Charges (England)(Amendment) Order 2015
- Environmental Protection (Single use Vapes) (England) Regulations 2024
- Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (for greenwashing claims)
As demand for environmentally friendly products and services grows, so does the risk of businesses exaggerating their sustainability claims to attract customers. Trading Standards works to maintain a fair-trading environment by investigating companies and taking action against those making false or misleading statements about their environmental credentials. By enforcing these regulations, Trading Standards helps ensure businesses fulfil their environmental responsibilities, protect consumers, and support wider sustainability goals.
To report issues such as litter, fly tipping and pollution contact your local District Council.
If you have any environmental concerns to report, please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
