A ban on the sale of selected single-use plastics is to come into force in July, following a new law passed by the Legislative Assembly this week (30 March).
Minister for City Services, Chris Steel said the Plastic Reduction Bill 2020 delivered a framework for progressively phasing out single-use plastics, with the first tranche of bans to include plastic cutlery, drink stirrers and expanded polystyrene containers.
“Canberrans are already some of the nation’s best recyclers and we know this shift away from single use plastics is strongly supported by the Canberra community,” Mr Steel said.
“It’s been fantastic to see that so many local businesses have already made the switch to more sustainable materials, reflecting our community’s values,” he said.
“Now we are making sure there is a level playing field for all businesses by banning the sale and use of cheap single-use plastics which do so much harm to our environment.”
Mr Steel said the Territory would take an educative approach to compliance in the first stages of the ban to support business and the community through the transition.
He said that in an Australian first, the Territory now had the power to declare public events single-use plastic free, which could include events like Floriade, major festivals and sporting matches.
He said that in 2022 the ACT would seek to phase out a second tranche of single-use plastic items such as straws, barrier bags for fruit and vegetables, and all products made from degradable plastic.
“Exemptions will be carefully designed to ensure people who need to use straws will still be able to access and use them,” the Minister said.
The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) welcomed the new laws which it said would help save fish, seabirds and marine animals from death or injury.
