Takeaway containers and plastic bags are next on the list for the ACT Government’s single-use plastic ban, Chris Steel, Minister for Transport and City Services, announced today.
The ACT Government seeks written submissions from businesses, industry, and the community on the proposed phase-out of more single-use plastic items.
The next tranche of items proposed to be banned by regulation from July 2023 include:
• Boutique or heavyweight plastic bags (greater than 35 microns thick)
• Single-use plastic takeaway containers
• Single-use plastic plates and bowls
• Plastic microbeads in rinse-off personal care, cosmetic, and cleaning products
• Expanded polystyrene products and packaging (with potential exemptions for white and brown goods)
The government has banned the supply of single-use plastic cutlery, drink stirrers, expanded polystyrene food and beverage containers, plastic straws, cotton buds with plastic sticks, and all oxo-degradable plastics since last July.
- Plastic straws will be banned from July (23 May)
- More major ACT events to go single-use plastic-free (8 March)
- ACT’s single-use plastic ban to start in July (30 March 2021)
“We have taken a progressive approach to phasing out single-use plastics, and have received widespread community and business support,” Mr Steel said.
“Now, we are seeking input on the next stage of the process as we work to cut plastic waste and level the playing field to support the businesses, organisations, and individuals who have already made the switch.”
Local Canberra events have pledged their commitment to phasing out single-use plastic products. The latest event to join is the Spilt Milk music festival, which will be held in November; it will remove single-use plastic plates, bowls, and plastic takeaway containers.
Other events declared under the Plastic Reduction Act 2021 include Floriade, Canberra Nara Candle Festival, Handmade Canberra Markets, National Multicultural Festival, Enlighten Festival, and the Canberra Balloon Spectacular.
The ACT Government will soon release its draft Circular Economy Strategy, which Mr Steel said would provide “a clear path forward on removing problematic waste streams from our city”.
“The strategy will consider how we create and support new jobs, better manage problematic waste streams, and design supply chains to stop waste streams from emerging in the first place.”
For more information, visit: www.act.gov.au/single-use-plastics.
