The next stage of South Australia’s single-use and other plastic product bans will come into operation on 1 September 2024.
Green Industries SA made the announcement via their ‘Replace the Waste’ website on Friday, following consultations on the next stages of South Australia’s single-use and other plastic product bans.
Green Industries SA also announced there will be no grace period for the sale, supply and distribution of the banned items, except where an exemption applies.
The following items will be banned from 1 September 2024
Plastic barrier bags
Plastic bags without handles (known as either a ‘produce bag’ or ‘barrier bag’), used to contain and protect unpackaged produce, nuts and confectionery will be banned.
Thick supermarket or boutique-style plastic bags
Heavyweight film plastic shopping bags, plastic-laminated paper shopping bags and plastic-laminated cardboard shopping bags will be banned, with some temporary exemptions.
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) consumer food and beverage containers
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 (including gelato tubs, cake boxes and meat and fruit trays) will be banned from 1 September 2024.
Plastic confetti and plastic balloon sticks/ties
Plastic confetti designed or intended to be used for scattering, throwing, decorating, or being released at celebrations/events, such as wedding ceremonies, parades, concerts, sporting events and parties will be banned, along with plastic balloon sticks and plastic balloon ties (including those sold in kits).
Plastic food bag tags
Single-use tags, designed or intended to hold food product bags closed, including (but not limited to) bread bags, produce bags and rice cakes will be banned, with a temporary exemption until 31 August 2029 for plastic food bag tags used to hold closed a bag of potatoes or carrots weighing 2kg or more.
Single-use plastic beverage containers (including coffee cups)
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, creating confusion for consumers. These items will be banned, with some temporary exemptions.
Single-use plastic food containers
Plastic food containers, including plastic-lined or aqueous coated containers, used for takeaway food prepared for sale and consumption on the same day, for example, takeaway food containers, single-use plastic bowls with plastic lids, single-use plastic trays with plastic lids, and single-use plastic cups with plastic lids used for food will be banned, with some temporary exemptions.
Businesses are advised to cease purchasing these products and seek out alternatives immediately.
You can find a list of alternative products advised by Green Industries SA here.
For a detailed breakdown of the legislation being enforced, click here.
