Single-use plastic cups, plates and bowls could be next on the list of banned items under the South Australian government’s historic single-use plastic ban, with the release of a new discussion paper.
The Turning the Tide 2021 discussion paper seeks community and business views on whether a further range of single-use plastic products should be banned.
On 1 March 2021 South Australia became the first state in Australia to ban plastic drinking straws, stirrers and cutlery from sale, supply or distribution. Under the next milestone of South Australia’s single-use plastic ban on 1 March 2022, expanded polystyrene cups, bowls, plates and clam-shell containers, and oxo-degradable plastic products will be banned.
David Speirs, Minister for Environment and Water, who launched Turning the Tide 2021 said the discussion paper looks at what other single-use plastic items could be phased out in the future.
“The South Australian public, businesses and industry have embraced these changes, quickly adapting and adjusting to alternatives but we want to bring them along on the journey,” Speirs said.
“We now invite South Australians to be part of the process to decide which single-use plastics we tackle next. The discussion paper outlines plastics items the public could consider, such as coffee cups, plastic bowls and plates but we want to hear from the community. Importantly we won’t be banning any items unless there are readily available alternatives.
“Our plastic ban isn’t just good for the environment – by being a first mover nationally we’ve already seen businesses who manufacture re-useable and compostable alternatives start to set up in South Australia, which means we are seeing significant economic benefits and the creation of local jobs.
“Our legislation has been developed with the help of our Single-Use Plastics Taskforce which has representation from 15 different organisations, including people living with a disability.”
Speirs is also working with Greens MLC Robert Simms and Minister for Planning and Local Government Josh Teague to progress BYO container laws.
“We want to encourage people to use their own takeaway containers where possible, but there have been concerns raised by businesses about customers presenting with dirty containers.
“In line with our single-use plastics ban we want to give business owners and workers the confidence they need to sell food to customers in their personal containers, helping to reduce waste and protect the environment.”
Consultation is open until 19 February 2022.
For more information visit www.replacethewaste.sa.gov.au
Related stories:
First Australian state to ban single-use plastics
SA records Australia’s highest diversion rate