FirstsEnvironment

Single-use plastics ban in South Australia goes into Stage 2 in 2022 with polystyrene containers, cups, plates and bowls

Single-use plastics ban in South Australia goes into Stage 2 in 2022 with polystyrene containers, cups, plates and bowls
South Australians overwhelmingly support bans on single-use plastics and want to go further, the state government said.

South Australia entered Stage 2 from March 1, 2022, with its Australia-first its single-use plastics ban expanded to polystyrene cups, bowls, plates and clamshell containers.

These were prohibited from being sold, supplied or distributed in South Australia. Oxo-degradable plastic products would also be prohibited from production, manufacture, supply and sale in the state. Oxo-degradable plastic products had additives that enabled the plastic to break down into tiny fragments (microplastics) that didn’t completely decompose.

South Australia’s Single-use and Other Plastic Products (Waste Avoidance) Act 2020 was the first legislation of its kind in Australia. It was a positive step towards avoiding waste and reducing the harm caused to our wildlife, including marine life, through litter and pollution.

From March 1, 2021, single-use plastic straws, cutlery and stirrers were prohibited from sale, supply or distribution in South Australia including bioplastic alternatives. These single-use items could be replaced with reusable and plastic-free compostable alternatives. Exemptions applied for single-use plastic straws.

South Australians overwhelmingly support bans on single-use plastics and want to go further, the state government said. Preliminary results from public consultation that closed last Saturday showed more than 95% of the 2500-plus respondents want more items banned, most notably single-use plastic confetti, cups, bowls and bags.

In the year since South Australia’s on ban plastic drinking straws, stirrers and cutlery from sale, supply or distribution., it was estimated  that 240 million plastic straws were removed from distribution – enough to go end to end from Adelaide to London and back.

A discussion paper “Turning the Tide: The Future of Single-Use Plastic in South Australia” released in December 2021 identified items “for consideration” in the next wave of bans including plastic bags, cups, lids on single-use cups, food containers, bowls, plates, balloon sticks ties and plastic-stemmed cotton buds. Other items being considered included fruit stickers, plastic confetti, pizza savers, soy-sauce fish, beverage plugs, bread tags, expanded polystyrene (EPS) food and beverage containers, EPS meat or fruit trays and other packaging materials.

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