New South Wales and Victoria are joining the states that have already banned the use of single-use plastics, and venues are being forced to make provision in day-to-day operations.
What is dubbed ‘single-use plastics’ make up around a third of litter on streets and in waterways, and are usually small and difficult to clean up. They are often used for only a moment, but remain in the environment for a long time.
The ACT was the first Australian jurisdiction to ban single-use plastic cutlery, drink stirrers and polystyrene food and beverage containers, back at the start of July, 2021.
Queensland followed in September, stipulating no single-use plastic straws, stirrers, plates, unenclosed bowls, cutlery, and EPS (expanded polystyrene) takeaway food containers and cups.
South Australia legislated a ban on the manufacture, production, supply and distribution of oxo-degradable plastic products, which came into effect in March this year.
Beginning 1 June, as part of the Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act 2021, NSW is starting with a ban on the supply of lightweight plastic shopping bags by all organisations and commercial businesses, including retail and hospitality.
From 1 November, the ban expands to include single-use plastic straws, stirrers, swizzle sticks, bowls, plates and cutlery – including forks, spoons, knives, sporks, splayds, chopsticks and food picks.
This takes in EPS foodservice items, such as clamshells, cups, plates and bowls, and the ban applies even if items are made from biodegradable, compostable or bio-plastics.
Exemptions will apply in select settings, allowing (for example) continued access to plastic straws for people with a disability or medical need.
More information is available on the NSW Government website HERE.
Victoria begins its program against single-use plastics in 2023.
From 1 February single-use plastic drinking straws, cutlery, plates, drink-stirrers, EPS food and drink containers, and cotton bud sticks, will all be banned from sale or supply in Victoria.
Setting an example, all government departments and agencies across the Victorian public service adopted the ban on these products from February of this year.
More information is available on the Victorian Government website HERE.
