The South Australia Government is planning to ban the use of various single-use plastics, with straws, cutlery, and stirrers the first on its agenda.
Several other items would then be considered for prohibition under the Marshall Liberal Government’s proposed legislation, entitled Turning the Tide on Single Use Plastics: The Next Steps.
In addition, the government will establish a stakeholder taskforce that will assist the development of the legislation.
The stakeholder meeting would see representatives of selected business, industry, local government and interest groups working together to ensure that the potential impact of the bans is kept to a minimum, as well as allowing sufficient time for transition.
Following the disclosure of a document earlier this year, South Australia environment and water minister David Speirs noted that strong feedback from its residents made clear their desire to see measures taken to tackle the issue of single-use plastics.
He said: “In light of this overwhelming community support, the Marshall Liberal Government has developed a plan to ban single-use plastic products and other single-use items.
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By GlobalData“At first, we will look at products including plastic straws, cutlery and stirrers with items such as takeaway polystyrene containers and cups next. Further consideration would be needed when looking at takeaway coffee cups, plastic bags and other takeaway food service items following consultation.”
The government said that it will release draft legislation for further public consultation later in 2019, with plans to introduce it to the parliament to follow next year.
Speirs added: “The Marshall Liberal government is committed to working with the community and stakeholders to address the impacts of single-use plastic products in South Australia and to ensure that we continue to maintain this state’s reputation as a leader in waste management.”
In a bid to identify opportunities and challenges associated with transitioning away from single-use plastic products and inform the legislation, the government is planning to pilot the ban on certain items through volunteers from businesses and retailers.