If you like our site, mark us as a preferred source on Google — so you’ll see our articles more often in search!
★Mark us as a preferred sourceStarting September 1st, a new phase of the Monaco plastic ban will come into effect, prohibiting the use of disposable plastic boxes, trays, and salad bowls for most ready-to-eat food sold across the Principality. This measure aims to significantly reduce waste generated by takeaways and immediate-consumption meals.
Details of the Monaco plastic ban and Ministerial Decree no. 2026-129
Adopted in March, Ministerial Decree no. 2026-129 dictates that the ban affects food packaged for immediate sale or items carrying a use-by period of no more than three days. The Monaco plastic ban applies regardless of whether the meals are eaten on the premises or taken away. The scope of the restriction covers ready-to-eat food that does not require cooking or boiling, thereby impacting a large portion of the packaging utilized by restaurants, snack bars, takeaways, and other food businesses. To comply with the September deadline, food traders must replace the affected disposable plastic packaging with compliant alternatives, such as reusable containers or materials made from cardboard and moulded fibre.
Official Exemptions to the New Rules
The decree explicitly outlines certain exemptions. Lids and closure systems are excluded from the new restrictions. Additionally, containers used for fresh, cut, and unprocessed fruit may be exempt if the packaging is deemed strictly necessary to maintain food freshness, ensure food safety, or prevent overall waste. Furthermore, the legislation permits containers that feature a polyethylene, polylactic acid, or equivalent coating, ensuring that businesses still have access to specific coated alternatives.
Customer Rights and Reusable Containers
Under a provision originally introduced in 2021, customers retain the right to request that purchased food be placed in their own reusable containers brought from home. However, businesses have the right to refuse this if the customer’s container is visibly dirty or considered unsuitable for the specific food being purchased. Ahead of the deadline, many establishments have already begun transitioning their packaging. Businesses involved in Monaco’s “Commerce Engagé” and “Restaurant Engagé” programmes have received transitional support from the Department of the Environment and its partner organization, Ecoscience Provence.
Progress Towards the 2030 Zero-Waste Target
This latest restriction is a core component of Monaco’s long-term drive to completely eliminate single-use plastic waste by the year 2030. The Principality has implemented a progressive series of restrictions over the past decade:
-
2016: Prohibition of single-use plastic checkout bags.
-
2019: Ban on plastic straws and stirrers.
-
2020: Restrictions on disposable plastic plates, cups, glasses, and cutlery entered into force.
-
2023: Mandatory requirement for restaurants to use reusable tableware and containers for all food and drinks consumed directly on their premises.
The September extension of these rules to prepared takeaway food represents another substantial step in reducing the volume of disposable plastic packaging currently in circulation within Monaco.
FAQ
When does the Monaco plastic ban for food containers take effect?
The restriction on disposable plastic boxes, trays, and salad bowls begins on September 1st.
What types of food are affected by the ban?
The ban affects ready-to-eat food packaged for immediate sale or with a use-by period of no more than three days that does not require cooking.
Can customers use their own containers?
Yes, customers retain the right to bring their own reusable containers, provided they are clean and suitable for the food being purchased.
Original Reference Link:
Monaco Life – Monaco to ban disposable plastic food containers from September
