THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Cabinet has decided to impose a complete ban on all plastic products that cannot be reused. The blanket ban on single-use plastic items will come into effect in the State on January 1.

Plastic bottles with a capacity below 300 ml will also be banned. Plastic covers, bottles, containers, spoon, straw and garbage bags that can be used only once will be banned.

From January one, next year, there will be a strict no-no to the production and distribution of the above banned products. Violation of the ban will invite a penalty of Rs 10,000 in the first phase. If the offence is continued, the fine will be five times that amount, i.e. Rs 50,000 and the offender will also have to serve a jail term.

Meanwhile, the government has decided to give some concession to Milma and Beverages cooperation, which have agreed to take back plastic covers and bottles.

Local self-governing bodies and pollution control board have been authorised to implement the plastic rule. Currently plastic bags up to 20 micron are facing ban in the State.