Monaco will extend its crackdown on single-use plastics from 1st September, banning disposable plastic boxes, trays and salad bowls used for most ready-to-eat food sold across the Principality.
The change, adopted under Ministerial Decree no. 2026-129 in March, will affect food packaged for immediate sale or carrying a use-by period of no more than three days. It applies whether meals are eaten on the premises or taken away.
The ban covers ready-to-eat food that does not require cooking or boiling, bringing much of the packaging used by restaurants, snack bars, takeaways and other food businesses within its scope.
Exemptions written into the decree
Lids and closure systems are excluded from the new restriction. Containers used for fresh, cut and unprocessed fruit may also be exempt when the packaging is considered necessary to maintain freshness or food safety, or to prevent waste.
The decree also permits containers with a polyethylene, polylactic acid or equivalent coating, meaning businesses will still be able to use certain coated alternatives.
For food traders, the September deadline will mean replacing affected disposable plastic packaging with compliant options, including reusable containers or alternatives made from materials such as cardboard and moulded fibre.
Customers can bring reusable containers
Customers will retain the right to ask for food to be placed in their own reusable container, a provision introduced in Monaco in 2021. Businesses can refuse if the container is visibly dirty or unsuitable for the food being purchased.
Many establishments have already begun changing their packaging as earlier restrictions have taken effect. Businesses participating in Monaco’s Commerce Engagé and Restaurant Engagé programmes have also received support from the Department of the Environment and its partner, Ecoscience Provence.
Monaco moves towards 2030 target
The latest measure is part of Monaco’s drive to eliminate single-use plastic waste by 2030.
Single-use plastic checkout bags were prohibited in 2016, followed by plastic straws and stirrers in 2019. Restrictions on disposable plastic plates, cups, glasses and cutlery came into force in 2020.
Since 2023, restaurants have also been required to use reusable tableware and containers for food and drinks consumed on their premises.
The September ban will extend those restrictions to much of the prepared food sold for takeaway or immediate consumption, further reducing the disposable plastic packaging still in circulation in Monaco.
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