Today we welcome the tabling of South Australia's 'Single-use and Other Plastic Products (Waste Avoidance) Bill 2020', which prohibits the sale, supply and distribution of certain single-use plastic products and establishes a framework for adding other products in the future. Plastics currently included in the bill are straws, stirrers and cutlery as well as polystyrene cups, bowls and containers, and all oxo-biodegradable products. 

‘Other states and territories can now follow the South Australian example. Both the ACT and Queensland plan similar legislation, and NSW are currently seeking public views on a plastics ban. Victoria is yet to move, ’ said Jeff Angel, Director of the Alliance.

‘Once again, South Australia is the first state or territory in Australia to act on a serious litter problem. We expect to see a noticeable reduction in plastic litter and waste and less plastic pollution of the ocean as a result.’

These banned items (along with coffee cups and lids, other cups and heavyweight plastic bags) are amongst the most littered items found in South Australia, and they all have a better alternative. ‘

Switching away from single use plastic takeaway is overwhelmingly supported in the community. A recent IPSOS International poll in 2019 (Throwaway World) found that 69% of Australians favoured a ban on single-use plastics, and as soon as possible.

'As our Plastic Free Places program is demonstrating, cafes and food outlets want to do the right thing and are able to switch away from these single use plastics. For instance, our analysis shows that simply removing straws from the counter reduces use by over 80%.’

The bill is available to download HERE