40,000 businesses across NSW to receive extra help in transitioning away from single-use plastics

February 22, 2022

Environment / Hospitality /

Aligned with the NSW Government’s recently announced Plastics Reduction and Circular Economy Act 2021, more than 40,000 businesses across NSW will be supported to phase-out single-use plastics.

NSW Environment Minister James Griffin said the NSW Government is partnering with the National Retail Association (NRA) to co-design and deliver a campaign to help businesses transition away from single-use plastics.

Minister Griffin notes “almost every piece of plastic ever made is still with us. More than 2.7 billion plastic items end up in NSW waterways each year – wreaking havoc on the environment and endangering wildlife.

“To protect our environment we’re getting rid of certain single-use plastics later this year and this campaign will help ensure NSW businesses are ready to go.”

Over the next nine months the NRA will visit more than 650 retail precincts providing factsheets, signage and advice to help businesses transition.

National Retail Association Chief Executive, Dominique Lamb said the program will also focus on supporting distributors, importers, manufacturers and not-for profit organisations through resources, online sessions and in-person forums.

Lamb highlighted “we also want to ensure we engage with hard-to-reach communities, especially small businesses, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups and regional areas.

“Businesses and community organisations need our help to understand and comply with the ban, but also assistance with preparing their customers for the change.”

The supply of lightweight plastic shopping bags will cease from 1st June, with the supply of single-use plastic cutlery, straws, stirrers, plates and bowls, cotton buds, expanded polystyrene food containers, and products containing plastic microbeads also ending from 1st November. Exemptions will apply to people who rely on certain plastic products for disability or health reasons.

Minister Griffin added “while we recognise a number of large and small businesses have already phased-out single-use plastics, for many the ban will involve significant change and they’ll need government and community support.

“Consumers will also need to be prepared for changes when collecting takeaway or making purchases, particularly when they receive straws, foodware or cutlery.”

Small Business Minister Eleni Petinos said that strong cooperation between government and industry was needed to ensure minimal disruption and noted “during the transition phase, the NSW Government will work closely with industry stakeholders to support a smooth changeover.

“Small businesses need to know now how they will be impacted so that they can begin planning for alternatives to single-use plastics. Not only will this help smaller retailers comply with the new laws, it will also ensure that their customers are aware of the changes that will be occurring.”

3rd January 2022 - Western Australia phases out single-use plastics

14th September 2021 - Australian Government declares its support for legally binding global plastics treaty

31st August 2021 - Australian Marine Conservation Society welcomes Queensland’s ban on single-use plastic

14th June 2021 - NSW and Western Australian Governments announce new plastic bans

1st April 2021 - Legislation passed for phasing out single-use plastics in ACT

11th March 2021 - Queensland Government passes legislation to ban single-use plastics

1st March 2021 - South Australia’s ban on single-use plastic starts today

19th February 2021 - Replas technology partnerships recycle most problematic plastics

8th January 2021 - ZOGGS advances sustainability mission with swimwear made from plastic bottles

9th December 2020 - Australian Marine Conservation Society highlights new Federal laws banning plastic waste won’t save wildlife

9th November 2020 - Western Australian Government releases new strategy to reduce single-use plastics

10th September 2020 - South Australia becomes first state to ban single-use plastics but ban delayed until 2021 due to COVID-19

15th July 2020 - Queensland Government moves to ban single-use plastics to save marine life

16th February 2020 - Second South Australian business goes plastic free

3rd February 2020 - ACT takes action to phase out single-use plastic products

30th December 2019 - National plastics summit set to address Australia’s growing waste problem

9th December 2019 - New Zealand Government commits to next steps on plastic waste management

27th July 2018 - ICC Sydney leads in events and venues sector plastic bottle waste reduction

28th May 2018 - Zoos and aquariums look to reduce plastic waste

29th January 2018 - Far North Queensland tourism operators back Great Barrier Reef plastic straws ban

12th July 2017 - Taronga Zoo moves toward plastic-free operations

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