ACT kicks off next stage of single-use plastic bans

Additional single-use plastic items have been banned in the ACT as businesses and communities embrace another shift away from plastics.

The next phase of our single-use plastics ban came into effect on 1 July, banning the sale, supply and distribution of single-use plastic plates and bowls, expanded polystyrene loose fill packaging and expanded polystyrene trays and plastic microbeads in rinse-off personal care and cleaning products.

From 1 January 2024, the ACT Government will also ban all heavyweight plastic and boutique shopping bags greater than 35 microns thick.

Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel said Canberra community and businesses have embraced the phase-out of single-use plastics so far, and are ready to take the next steps.

“The response from large retailers like Woolworths has been vital in shifting away from single-use plastic and influencing suppliers to use more sustainable materials, which reduces waste going to landfill or littered in our environment,” Steel said.

On behalf of the ACT Government, the National Retail Association (NRA) is providing an education-first approach and visiting 1600 retailers by 31 December 2023, providing information and resources to help with the transition.

The industry engagement is focused on suppliers and small-to-medium or independent retailers, as well as culturally and linguistically diverse retailers, representing a significant proportion of businesses impacted by the ban.

A 12-month single-use plastic hotline (1800 844 946) is available during business hours (from 9am to 5pm) to provide telephone advice to support businesses and other organisations that comply with the legislative requirements.

The ACT Government is also working to finalise Canberra’s first Circular Economy Strategy, which will guide future decisions on how to better reduce waste, and strengthen businesses to promote sustainable practices and jobs.

David Stout of Director of Policy at the National Retail Association (NRA) commended the ACT Government for its commitment to working with industry, community and the public to deliver environmental outcomes.

Matthew Spiteri of General Manager for ACT at Woolworths said customers are looking to the retailer to help make their regular shop better for the environment.

“At Woolworths, we’ve come a long way over the past five years, removing single-use plastic shopping bags, straws, cutlery, bowls, plates – and most recently – our thicker reusable 15-cent plastic bags.

“Our ACT customers have responded really well, and the ACT Government’s leadership will help smaller businesses to make these positive changes for the benefit of our communities and the planet.”

For more information, visit: www.act.gov.au/single-use-plastics.