The ACT Government is seeking written submissions from businesses, industry and the community on the proposed phase-out of more single-use plastic items.
“We have taken a progressive approach to phasing out single-use plastics and have received widespread community and business support. 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.” ACT Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel commented “To provide Canberrans with a clear path forward on removing problematic waste streams from our city, the ACT Government will also soon be releasing a draft Circular Economy Strategy. 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.”
The next tranche of items proposed to be banned by regulation include:
- Boutique or heavyweight plastic bags (greater than 35 microns thick)
- Single-use plastic takeaway container
- 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)
“We’ve already 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.” Minister Steel commented. Minister Steel explained that local Canberra events continue to pledge their commitment to phasing out single-use plastic products. The latest event to join is the Spilt Milk music festival, who has committed to removing single-use plastic plates and bowls and single-use plastic takeaway containers. The Minister said that 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 proposed phase-out of a third tranche of single-use plastic items is set for 1 July, 2023.
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