Are you ready for the next stage of single-use plastic bans?

South Australian Business News • Business Advice

Anthony Caldwell

Tuesday, August 13th 2024

The South Australian Government has issued a plea to businesses to ensure they’re ready for the next stage of single-use plastic bans.

With less than a month to go, most businesses have already moved to greener alternatives and are using up existing stock of soon-to-be-banned items.

Businesses are encouraged to be proactive in these changes, and ensure they are compliant before they take effect.

Changes from 1 September 2024

Plastic barrier bags will be banned, enabling the market to switch to compostable alternatives, that are certified to Australian Standards.
Thick supermarket or boutique-style plastic bags will be banned. There are alternatives for these and the timing of this ban allows retailers to source alternatives and inform customers.
Single-use plastic beverage containers (including coffee cups) offer convenience for consumers, but these items and their attachments (such as lids and beverage plugs) have limited recovery and recycling pathways. Fibre and other compostable, or non-plastic recyclable or reusable alternatives can replace single-use plastic food containers with various alternatives already available and in use.
Expanded polystyrene cups, bowls, plates and clamshell containers were prohibited from sale, supply and distribution in South Australia on 1 March 2022. Other expanded polystyrene (EPS) consumer food and beverage containers in the market (e.g. gelato tubs) will also be banned. EPS trays used for meat, fruit and other food items for retail sale will be banned.
Plastic confetti will be banned in South Australia. The interpretation of what constitutes confetti will be defined in the regulations to follow.
Plastic balloon sticks/ties will be banned.
Food bag tags can be replaced with non-plastic alternatives, as has already been introduced by at least one major bread producer.

Certified compostable ‘bioplastic’ food and beverage containers are still allowed, as well as certified compostable bags, as these are compatible with council kitchen caddies.

It is recognised around the world that phasing out single-use plastics is an important and achievable step in striving to reduce pollution, cut carbon emissions and protect marine life.

Without action, the annual flow of plastic into the ocean alone will nearly triple by 2040 to 29 million metric tonnes per year, the equivalent of 50 kilograms of plastic for every metre of coastline worldwide.

This latest round of SA changes is the largest number of items to be banned since single-use plastic bans commenced in 2021.

South Australia has taken steps to address the impacts associated with a range of single-use and other plastic products and was the first jurisdiction in Australia to do so on a statewide basis. Other states and territories have since followed South Australia’s lead.

For businesses who are unsure, or need advice on alternatives and banned items visit replacethewaste.sa.gov.au