Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

ACT takes action to phase out single-use plastic products

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

ACT Government is taking action to phase out single-use plastic products as many single-use plastic products are difficult to recycle and as a result end up in landfill or the natural environment.

The ACT has already taken steps to address the impact of single-use plastic through the plastic bag ban introduced in 2011. They are now looking to phase out selected problematic single-use plastic that have readily available alternatives.

Recently, through the ‘Phasing out single-use plastics discussion paper’, the ACT Government consulted broadly with industry, business and the community about ways to avoid and reduce the consumption of single-use plastics. There were over 3,300 responses to the consultation, demonstrating a high degree of community interest in the issue.

The community survey revealed that:

a) 94% support a phase out of polystyrene

b) 93% support a phase out of plastic stirrers and straws

c) 92% support a phase out of plastic lined coffee cups or lids

d) 91% support a phase out of plastic cutlery

e) 91% support a phase out of plastic plates and cups

f) 87% support a phase out of takeaway food containers

g) 85% support a phase out of lightweight fruit and vegetable barrier bags.

An additional survey of the general community was undertaken by the ACT Government which found definite or probable support for:

a) banning single-use plastic straws (77%)

b) banning plastic-lined takeaway coffee cups (71%)

c) banning single-use plastic takeaway containers (68%)

d) banning thicker plastic bags (58%).

In 2020, the ACT Government will introduce legislation to phase out the sale and distribution of selected single-use plastic products. The Plastic Reduction Bill 2020 is proposed to phase out selected, problematic single-use plastics, where alternatives are readily available.

This includes an immediate phase out of three key plastic items including:

  • Single-use plastic cutlery
  • Single-use plastic stirrers
  • Single-use expanded polystyrene takeaway food and beverage containers.

Phase out after 12 months

  • Single-use plastic fruit and vegetable ‘barrier bags’.
  • Oxo-degradable plastic products (certain plastic products which include additives to accelerate fragmentation into microplastics).
  • Single-use plastic straws – except for people who need them because of a disability or for medical reasons.

The following items will be considered in the longer term:

  • Plastic-lined single-use coffee cups and lids
  • Single-use plastic dinnerware
  • Other single-use plastic products including boutique/heavyweight plastic bags
  • Cotton ear buds (with plastic sticks)

Find out more in the new report ‘ Phasing out single-use plastics: Next Steps Policy’, available here: www.yoursay.act.gov.au/single-use-plastics

Related Articles

23rd January 2020 - Global tourism initiative to combat plastic pollution

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

14th December 2019 - Fremantle swim event goes plastic free

9th December 2019 - MCG looks to boost sustainability with ban on plastic plates and cutlery

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

13th November 2019 - PATA to present webinar on reducing plastic pollution

7th November 2019 - Australian Marine Conservation Society welcomes Queensland government proposal to ban single-use plastics

22nd August 2019 - Australian Turf Club to end single-use beverage plastics for Everest Carnival

17th August 2019 - Ekka showbag sellers face pressure to reduce single-use plastic

1st August 2019 - Zoggs expands environmental commitments with swimwear made from plastic waste and reduction in plastic goggle packaging

18th July 2019 - Zoos and aquariums celebrate and educate through Plastic Free July

17th July 2019 - Cairns initiative sees discarded plastic straws recycled into park seating

30th June 2019 - Wellington lifeguard encourages poolgoers to refill during Plastic Free July

7th June 2019 - World Surf League reveals plan to become carbon neutral and eliminate plastic use this year

13th May 2019 - City of Darwin installs Replas recycled plastic bollards at four sports ovals

30th April 2019 - Zoos Victoria ban all single-use plastics 

22nd March 2019 - Rottnest Island supports initiative to reduce plastic waste


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

CENTAMAN

Centaman has been a market leader in Enterprise Software Solutions for the leisure and recreation industry and both profit and not-for-profit attractions since 1991. It offers a wide range of software…

read more

Access / Billing / Fitness / Technology / Ticketing

 
 

Ungerboeck Software

As of February 2023, Ungerboeck Software has rebranded as Momentus Technologies.

read more

Entertainment / Events / Hospitality / Technology / Venues

 
 

The Jump Pad

The Jump Pad is a safe, flat inflatable made in a variety of sizes which can be used indoor or outdoor. From 3mx3m up to a whopping 9mx21m. Markets include Indoor and outdoor playgrounds, schools,…

read more

Attractions / Entertainment / Play

 
 

Centaman Entrance Control

Turnstile Entry Systems and Access Control Centaman Entrance Controls’ Award Winning Range of Access Control Systems includes tripod & triarm turnstiles, speedgates, full height…

read more

Access / Entertainment / Sport / Ticketing / Venues

 
 

Ausfit

Ausfit began in 1992, providing software services to the health and fitness sector including ClubWise, a fully hosted web-based product which combines state of the art club management software,…

read more

Billing / Finance / Fitness / Technology

 
 

LIFE FLOOR (Aus & NZ)

Our team believes floors should be beautiful, comfortable, and engineered for safety, even when wet. Life Floor tiles meet six unique performance based standards: slip-resistance, impact absorption,…

read more

Aquatics / Play / Recreation / Safety / Surfaces

 
 

HIB Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd

HIB Insurance Brokers - Experts in Leisure and Amusement Insurance With over 20 years specialising in the Amusement and Leisure industries, we have the experience to understand your operations and…

read more

Attractions / Entertainment / Insurance / Recreation / Safety

 
 

Ticketworx Pty Ltd

Ticketworx (formerly House of Tickets) is Australia and New Zealand’s foremost ticket specialist servicing some 2,700 clients and producing in excess of 30 million per tickets per annum.…

read more

Entertainment / Events / Technology / Ticketing / Venues

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business