Replace the Waste
On September 9, 2020, the South Australian Parliament passed the Single-use and Other Plastic Products (Waste Avoidance) Act 2020. This legislation is the first of its kind in Australia and a positive step towards avoiding waste.
The South Australian food and hospitality industry will lead the rest of the country by avoiding waste and offering sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic food service items.
WHEN?
From March 1, 2021, single-use plastic straws, cutlery and stirrers will be prohibited from sale, supply or distribution in South Australia. These single-use items can be replaced with reusable and compostable alternatives. Exemptions will apply for single-use plastic straws.
From March 1, 2022, expanded polystyrene cups, bowls, plates and clamshell containers will be prohibited from sale, supply or distribution in South Australia.
Oxo-degradable plastic products will also be prohibited from manufacture and production in the state. Oxo-degradable plastic products contain additives that cause the plastic to break down into tiny fragments (‘microplastic’), which does not completely decompose.
WHY?
Plastics play an important role in our economy and daily lives. When used in packaging, plastics help ensure food safety and reduce food waste.
But too often, the way plastics are produced, used and discarded results in a wasted resource, causing pollution,
litter and harm to wildlife, including marine life. South Australians are committed to the environment and want action on single-use plastic products.
By avoiding waste and shifting to reusable or recyclable options we are ensuring the best environmental outcome for our ‘clean and green’ state.
WHAT?
The legislation prohibits the sale, supply or distribution of single-use plastic straws, beverage stirrers and cutlery. Single-use plastic products are designed to be used once, or for a limited number of times, often away from home, and thrown away after a brief use, usually resulting in waste.
EXEMPTIONS
Exemptions allow for the sale, supply and distribution of single-use plastic straws for people with disability or health needs. Exemptions will also apply to pre-packaged and attached products such as straws attached to juice or milk boxes.
COMPLIANCE
Compliance in South Australia will be enforced by the Environment Protection Authority.
To learn more please see the following: